The work 'Shadows' was commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington and premiered under Mstislav Rostropovich.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Sallinen's 'Shadows' is a requiem whose material is taken directly from the opera 'The King Goes Forth to France', which is about war and self-hatred.
Composition History
Sallinen's Fifth Symphony, subtitled 'Washington Mosaics', was written after Rostropovich and his orchestra invited Sallinen to compose a new symphony for them, following the impression 'Shadows' made on its American audience.
Composer Biography
Aulis Sallinen, the composer, has felt compelled to think 'symphonically' throughout his creative life, a pursuit that has led him to experience major crises.
Compositional Technique
Sallinen's Fifth Symphony is called 'Washington Mosaics' because its musical motives are treated as 'modules' or mosaics across its five movements, and the title sounds beautiful while acknowledging the commissioner's origin.
Performer Biography
James DePreist, the conductor, became chief conductor of the Malmö Symphony Orchestra in 1991, after previously leading the Quebec Symphony Orchestra and the Oregon Symphony Orchestra.
Composition History
Sallinen's Fourth Symphony was commissioned by the city of Turku for its 150th anniversary celebration.
You might also enjoy...
Rautavaara, E.: Cantus Arcticus / Symphonies Nos. 4 and 5
Nordgren: Transient Moods
Kokkonen, J.: Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2 / Opus Sonorum
Sallinen: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 4
Sallinen: Symphonies Nos. 1 and 7 / Chorali / A Solemn Overture
