Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

October 16, 1941

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Erkki Jokinen was a Finnish composer who was born on May 22, 1941, 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. Jokinen began his musical studies at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where he studied composition with Aarre Merikanto and Einojuhani Rautavaara. He also studied piano and conducting, and he graduated from the academy in 1966. After completing his studies, Jokinen worked as a freelance composer and conductor. He composed music for a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, choirs, and chamber groups. He also worked as a music teacher, and he taught at the Sibelius Academy and other music schools in Finland. Jokinen's music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and colorful orchestration. He was influenced by the music of Jean Sibelius, Gustav Mahler, and Sergei Rachmaninoff, as well as by Finnish folk music. One of Jokinen's most famous works is his Symphony No. 1, which he composed in 1972. The symphony is in four movements and is scored for a large orchestra. It is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Jokinen's skill as a composer. Another notable work by Jokinen is his Piano Concerto, which he composed in 1980. The concerto is in three movements and is scored for piano and orchestra. It is a virtuosic work that demands a high level of technical skill from the soloist. Jokinen also composed a number of choral works, including his Requiem, which he composed in 1993. The Requiem is a powerful and moving work that is scored for choir and orchestra. It is a tribute to the victims of the Holocaust and is a testament to Jokinen's skill as a composer. In addition to his work as a composer, Jokinen was also a respected conductor. He conducted many orchestras in Finland and was known for his ability to bring out the best in his musicians. Jokinen received many awards and honors during his career, including the Finnish State Prize for Music in 1986. He was also a member of the Finnish Academy of Arts and Letters. Jokinen died on December 31, 1997, at the age of 56. He left behind a legacy of beautiful and powerful music that continues to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences around the world.

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