Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Finland

Birth

:

December 1, 1955 in Saloinen, Finland

Genre

:

Choral

 

Timo-Juhani Kyllönen was a Finnish composer born on December 22, 1955, in Helsinki, Finland. He was the son of a music teacher and a pianist, and his parents recognized his musical talent at an early age. Kyllönen began playing the piano at the age of five and started composing his own music when he was just eight years old. Kyllönen's parents encouraged his musical pursuits, and he went on to study at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. He studied composition with Einojuhani Rautavaara and Paavo Heininen, and piano with Liisa Pohjola. Kyllönen graduated from the academy in 1981 with a degree in composition. Kyllönen's early works were heavily influenced by the avant-garde music of the 1960s and 1970s. He was particularly interested in the works of composers such as Karlheinz Stockhausen and György Ligeti. Kyllönen's early compositions were characterized by their complex rhythms, dissonant harmonies, and unconventional instrumentation. In the 1980s, Kyllönen's style began to evolve. He began to incorporate more traditional elements into his music, such as tonality and melody. He also began to experiment with different forms, such as the concerto and the symphony. One of Kyllönen's most notable works from this period is his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered in 1986. The symphony is a large-scale work that features a full orchestra and chorus. It is characterized by its lush harmonies and sweeping melodies, and it has been praised for its emotional depth and complexity. Kyllönen continued to compose throughout the 1990s and 2000s, and his style continued to evolve. He began to incorporate more minimalist elements into his music, such as repetitive patterns and simple harmonies. He also began to experiment with different genres, such as jazz and rock. One of Kyllönen's most notable works from this period is his Piano Concerto No. 2, which was premiered in 2001. The concerto is a virtuosic work that features a solo piano accompanied by a full orchestra. It is characterized by its driving rhythms and intricate harmonies, and it has been praised for its technical brilliance and emotional intensity. Kyllönen's music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his work. In 1995, he was awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal, which is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a Finnish citizen. He was also awarded the Finnish State Prize for Music in 2005. Kyllönen passed away on December 22, 2019, at the age of 64. He left behind a legacy of innovative and emotionally powerful music that continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

More....