Rantala, I.: Piano Concerto and Concerto in G-Sharp Major / A-Flat Major / Astorale / Tangonator / Final Fantasy

Featuring

Jaakko Kuusisto
Iiro Rantala
Tapiola Sinfonietta

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Compositional Technique

The concerto's opening features a near-atonal, cluster-like texture tending towards the pitch A, which is also known as 'tuning up' and is the most modern music Iiro Rantala has written.

Composition History

Iiro Rantala initially wrote a 50-minute piece for his piano concerto, which he then pruned using scissors and a wastepaper basket.

Interpretation

The first and last movements of the concerto allow the soloist, Iiro Rantala, to improvise, which is a characteristic of jazz music.

Performer Biography

Jaakko Kuusisto, the conductor and violinist on this album, is Iiro Rantala's brother-in-law and orchestrated the concerto from Rantala's short score.

Composition History

Iiro Rantala's Concerto for Piano and Concerto was prompted by Satu Angervo, manager of the Tapiola Sinfonietta, who suggested he write a piano concerto for himself.

Performer Biography

Iiro Rantala is best known as the founder and pianist of Trio Töykeät, Finland's internationally most famous jazz band, which has performed over 2,300 times in 40 countries.

Compositional Technique

The title of the concerto, "Concerto for Piano and Concerto in ", includes a nod to Victor Borge and a veiled reference to the composer's thoughts during the creative process.