Role

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Composer

Genre

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Choral

 

Sulo Salonen was a Finnish composer born on May 22, 1899, in Helsinki, Finland. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father recognized his son's musical talent at an early age and began teaching him piano and music theory. Salonen's father also introduced him to the works of Finnish composers such as Jean Sibelius and Selim Palmgren, which had a significant influence on his musical style. Salonen attended the Helsinki Conservatory, where he studied composition with Erkki Melartin and piano with Selim Palmgren. He graduated in 1922 and continued his studies in Paris with Nadia Boulanger, a renowned composition teacher. During his time in Paris, Salonen was exposed to the works of French composers such as Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, which also influenced his musical style. Salonen returned to Finland in 1924 and began his career as a composer. He quickly gained recognition for his works, which were characterized by their lyrical melodies and harmonies. His early works include the orchestral suite "Kalevala" (1925) and the piano concerto "Kevät" (Spring) (1926). In 1928, Salonen was appointed as a professor of composition at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, a position he held until 1969. During his tenure at the academy, he taught many notable Finnish composers, including Einojuhani Rautavaara and Aulis Sallinen. Salonen's most famous work is his opera "Kullervo" (1932), which is based on the Finnish epic poem "Kalevala." The opera tells the story of the tragic hero Kullervo, who is cursed by fate and ultimately meets his demise. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike and is considered a masterpiece of Finnish opera. Salonen's other notable works include the ballet "Kesäyö" (Summer Night) (1934), the choral work "Kuutamolla" (Under the Moon) (1940), and the symphony "Pohjola" (1947). His works are characterized by their use of Finnish folk melodies and themes, as well as their lush harmonies and orchestration. Salonen continued to compose throughout his life, and his later works include the choral work "Kalevala-sarja" (Kalevala Suite) (1961) and the orchestral work "Kesäpäivä" (Summer Day) (1970). He died on December 26, 1964, in Helsinki, Finland, at the age of 65. Salonen's contributions to Finnish music are significant, and he is considered one of the most important Finnish composers of the 20th century. His works continue to be performed and recorded today, and his legacy lives on through the many composers he taught at the Sibelius Academy.

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