Composer

:

Einojuhani Rautavaara

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1955

First Performance

:

Aug 10, 1956

Average_duration

:

13:02

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Icons, Op. 6 is a choral work composed by Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara in 1955. The piece was premiered in Helsinki, Finland in the same year. The work consists of four movements, each of which is based on a different religious icon. The first movement, "The Savior," is based on the icon of Christ Pantocrator. The music is characterized by a slow, meditative pace, with the choir singing in unison for much of the movement. The harmonies are simple and tonal, with occasional dissonances adding a sense of tension and drama. The second movement, "The Mother of God," is based on the icon of the Virgin Mary. The music is more complex than the first movement, with the choir singing in four-part harmony. The harmonies are still tonal, but there are more frequent dissonances and chromaticism. The movement is characterized by a sense of longing and supplication. The third movement, "The Archangel," is based on the icon of St. Michael. The music is more rhythmic and energetic than the previous movements, with the choir singing in a lively, syncopated rhythm. The harmonies are still tonal, but there are more frequent modulations and unexpected chord progressions. The movement is characterized by a sense of triumph and victory. The final movement, "The Saints," is based on the icon of the Holy Trinity. The music is the most complex and challenging of the four movements, with the choir singing in eight-part harmony. The harmonies are still tonal, but there are frequent dissonances and chromaticism. The movement is characterized by a sense of awe and reverence. Overall, Icons, Op. 6 is a powerful and moving work that showcases Rautavaara's skill as a composer. The music is deeply spiritual and reflective, and the use of religious icons as inspiration adds an extra layer of meaning and significance to the piece.

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