Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Finland

Birth

:

September 27, 1912 in Helsinki, Finland

Death

:

July 18, 2008

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

Tauno Marttinen was a Finnish composer who was born on March 27, 1912, in Helsinki, Finland. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father, Juho Marttinen, was a composer and conductor, and his mother, Aino Marttinen, was a pianist. Tauno Marttinen showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Marttinen studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where he was taught by some of the most prominent Finnish composers of the time, including Aarre Merikanto and Selim Palmgren. He graduated from the academy in 1936 and began his career as a composer. Marttinen's early works were influenced by the Finnish national romantic style, which was popular in the early 20th century. His first major work was the opera "Pohjalaisia" (The Ostrobothnians), which premiered in 1940. The opera was based on a play by the Finnish writer Hella Wuolijoki and was a critical success. During World War II, Marttinen served in the Finnish army as a musician. He composed several works for military bands, including the "March of the Finnish Infantry Regiment 61," which became a popular patriotic song in Finland. After the war, Marttinen continued to compose operas, ballets, and orchestral works. He was known for his use of folk music elements in his compositions, which he blended with modernist techniques. His music was often characterized by its rhythmic vitality and colorful orchestration. One of Marttinen's most famous works is the ballet "Kalevala Suite," which premiered in 1951. The ballet was based on the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, and was a tribute to the Finnish culture and mythology. The music was praised for its evocative use of folk melodies and its dramatic power. Marttinen also composed several operas, including "Kullervo" (1958), which was based on the Finnish epic poem of the same name. The opera was a critical success and was praised for its powerful music and dramatic intensity. In addition to his operas and ballets, Marttinen composed several orchestral works, including symphonies, concertos, and tone poems. His music was performed by some of the most prestigious orchestras in Europe, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra. Marttinen was also a respected music educator and taught at the Sibelius Academy for many years. He was known for his dedication to his students and his passion for music. Marttinen continued to compose music until his death in 2008 at the age of 96. His legacy as one of Finland's most important composers lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and celebrated around the world.

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