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Erik T. Tawaststjerna was a Finnish pianist, musicologist, and writer who was born on June 6, 1936, in Helsinki, Finland. He was the son of the composer and conductor Tauno Marttinen and the pianist and music teacher Aino Tawaststjerna. Tawaststjerna grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. He studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where he received his diploma in piano performance in 1959. After completing his studies, Tawaststjerna began his career as a concert pianist, performing extensively throughout Europe and the United States. He was known for his interpretations of the music of Jean Sibelius, and he recorded several of Sibelius's piano works for the Ondine label. Tawaststjerna was also a respected musicologist and wrote extensively on Sibelius's music, including a biography of the composer that was published in 1976. In addition to his work as a performer and musicologist, Tawaststjerna was also a prolific writer. He wrote several books on music, including a history of Finnish music and a study of the music of Robert Schumann. He also wrote articles for various music journals and served as the editor of the Finnish music magazine Musiikki. Throughout his career, Tawaststjerna received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. In 1976, he was awarded the Pro Finlandia medal for his work as a pianist and musicologist. He was also awarded the Sibelius Medal by the Sibelius Society of Finland in 1995. One of the highlights of Tawaststjerna's career was his performance of Sibelius's Piano Concerto with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra in 1985. The performance was recorded and released on the Ondine label, and it received critical acclaim for Tawaststjerna's virtuosic playing and sensitive interpretation of the music. Tawaststjerna continued to perform and write about music throughout his life, and he remained an important figure in the Finnish music community until his death on August 31, 1993. His contributions to the understanding and appreciation of Sibelius's music continue to be recognized and celebrated today.

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