Harri Ahmas, the composer, was born in Vaasa, Finland, in 1957 and studied at the Sibelius Academy, where he was the first in Finland to give a debut bassoon recital.
Recording & Production
This album features two different organs: the Main Organ of St Paul's Church, Helsinki, for the Four Bagatelles, and the organ of Turku Cathedral for the other organ works.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Harri Ahmas, the composer, increasingly seeks to make a social statement in his works, such as in his Fourth Symphony, subtitled 'Songs of Moa', which was prompted by a desire to combat environmental destruction.
Composer Biography
Harri Ahmas, the composer, has won awards in composition competitions, including second prize in the International Uuno Klami Composition Competition in 2004 for his Second Symphony.
Composer's Artistic Vision
As a young man, Harri Ahmas, the composer, was inspired by Shostakovich, Mahler, and Ligeti, and his earliest works often featured the bassoon, his own instrument.
Performer Biography
Jan Lehtola, the organist on this recording, is an international organ virtuoso who has performed with numerous orchestras and given over 150 world and regional premieres of new works.
Composer Biography
Harri Ahmas, the composer, has been the Principal Bassoon of the Lahti Symphony Orchestra since 1989 and has performed as a soloist and in chamber ensembles internationally.
