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Composer  

 

Anssi Tikanmäki is a Finnish composer and pianist who was born on May 9, 1947, in Helsinki, Finland. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a composer and his mother a pianist. Tikanmäki began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He went on to study at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where he received a degree in composition. Tikanmäki's early works were heavily influenced by the avant-garde movement of the 1960s and 1970s. He experimented with different forms of music, including electronic music and jazz. His compositions were often characterized by their complex rhythms and unconventional harmonies. One of Tikanmäki's most notable works from this period is his 1972 composition "Kalevala Fantasy," which was inspired by the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala. The piece is a suite of six movements that incorporate elements of Finnish folk music and mythology. It was well-received by audiences and critics alike and helped establish Tikanmäki as a rising star in the Finnish classical music scene. In the 1980s, Tikanmäki's style began to shift towards a more traditional classical sound. He began incorporating more tonal harmonies and melodic themes into his compositions. This change in style was evident in his 1984 work "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," which was commissioned by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra. The piece is a three-movement concerto that showcases Tikanmäki's virtuosic piano playing and his ability to blend traditional and modern musical elements. Tikanmäki continued to compose throughout the 1990s and 2000s, producing a wide range of works that spanned different genres and styles. One of his most notable works from this period is his 1996 composition "The Seven Deadly Sins," which is a song cycle based on the seven deadly sins. The piece features a soprano soloist and a small ensemble and explores themes of sin, temptation, and redemption. Another notable work from this period is Tikanmäki's 2002 composition "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra." The piece is a three-movement concerto that showcases Tikanmäki's ability to write for the violin. It features virtuosic solo passages and intricate orchestration that highlight the beauty and complexity of the instrument. Tikanmäki's music has been performed by many of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Tapiola Sinfonietta. He has also collaborated with many notable musicians, including the Finnish jazz pianist Jukka Linkola and the Finnish rock band Wigwam. In addition to his work as a composer, Tikanmäki is also an accomplished pianist. He has performed extensively throughout Finland and Europe, both as a soloist and as a member of various ensembles. He is known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to bring out the emotional depth and complexity of the music he performs. Overall, Anssi Tikanmäki is a highly respected and influential figure in the Finnish classical music scene. His music is characterized by its complexity, beauty, and emotional depth, and his ability to blend traditional and modern musical elements has made him a unique and important voice in contemporary classical music.

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