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Pekka Jalkanen was a Finnish composer who was born on May 22, 1945, in Helsinki, Finland. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father was a pianist and his mother was a singer, and they both encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Jalkanen began his musical education at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where he studied composition with Aulis Sallinen and Einojuhani Rautavaara. He also studied piano and conducting, and he graduated from the academy in 1971. After completing his studies, Jalkanen worked as a freelance composer and pianist. He composed music for a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, and solo performers. His music was characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and use of traditional Finnish folk music. One of Jalkanen's early works was his Piano Concerto, which he composed in 1973. The concerto was premiered by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, with Jalkanen as the soloist. The work was well-received and helped establish Jalkanen as a rising star in the Finnish music scene. In the 1980s, Jalkanen began to incorporate electronic music into his compositions. He was particularly interested in the use of synthesizers and computer-generated sounds, and he explored these techniques in works such as his Symphony No. 3 and his opera, The Last Temptation. Jalkanen's Symphony No. 3, which he composed in 1985, was a departure from his earlier works. The symphony was scored for a large orchestra and featured electronic sounds and effects. The work was inspired by the natural beauty of Finland, and it was praised for its evocative and atmospheric qualities. Jalkanen's opera, The Last Temptation, was based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis. The opera was premiered in 1988 and was a critical success. The work was noted for its innovative use of electronic music and its powerful emotional impact. In addition to his work as a composer, Jalkanen was also a respected music educator. He taught composition at the Sibelius Academy and was a mentor to many young composers. He was known for his supportive and encouraging teaching style, and many of his students went on to successful careers in music. Jalkanen continued to compose music throughout his life, and his later works were characterized by a more introspective and contemplative style. He was particularly interested in the use of silence and space in his music, and he explored these concepts in works such as his String Quartet No. 4 and his Piano Sonata No. 3. Jalkanen passed away on December 22, 1999, at the age of 54. He left behind a legacy of innovative and emotionally powerful music, and he is remembered as one of Finland's most important composers of the 20th century.

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