Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Finland

Birth

:

February 17, 1930 in Tampere, Finland

Death

:

2004

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Usko Meriläinen was a Finnish composer who was born on August 17, 1930, in Helsinki, Finland. He was the son of a composer and conductor, Aarre Meriläinen, and a pianist, Aino Salmi. His parents were both musicians, and they encouraged him to pursue music from a young age. Meriläinen began studying piano and composition at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki when he was just 15 years old. Meriläinen's early compositions were influenced by the neoclassical style of composers like Stravinsky and Hindemith. He also drew inspiration from Finnish folk music and the works of Sibelius. In 1952, he won the first prize in a composition competition organized by the Finnish Broadcasting Company for his work, "Sinfonietta for String Orchestra." Meriläinen continued to study at the Sibelius Academy, where he was mentored by the composer Joonas Kokkonen. He graduated in 1956 and went on to study in Paris with the composer Nadia Boulanger. During his time in Paris, Meriläinen was exposed to the works of contemporary composers like Boulez and Stockhausen, which had a significant impact on his own compositions. Meriläinen's early works were characterized by their clarity and precision, as well as their use of traditional forms and structures. However, as he continued to develop as a composer, his style became more experimental and avant-garde. He began incorporating elements of serialism and aleatoric music into his compositions, as well as exploring new timbres and textures. One of Meriläinen's most significant works is his opera, "Juha," which was premiered in 1974. The opera is based on a novel by the Finnish author Juhani Aho and tells the story of a love triangle between a farmer, his wife, and a young man who comes to work on their farm. The opera is notable for its use of Finnish folk music and its incorporation of electronic music. Meriläinen's other notable works include his "Concerto for Orchestra," which was premiered in 1967, and his "Symphony No. 3," which was premiered in 1982. Both works showcase Meriläinen's use of complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as his interest in exploring new timbres and textures. Throughout his career, Meriläinen was recognized for his contributions to Finnish music. He was awarded the Pro Finlandia medal in 1974 and was made a member of the Finnish Academy of Arts and Letters in 1980. He also served as a professor of composition at the Sibelius Academy from 1970 to 1995. Meriläinen continued to compose until his death in 2004. His legacy as a composer is characterized by his innovative approach to composition and his commitment to exploring new musical ideas and techniques.

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