Composer

:

Aulis Sallinen

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1983

Average_duration

:

28:21

The Iron Age Suite, Op. 55 is a composition by Finnish composer Aulis Sallinen. It was composed in 1972 and premiered on May 4, 1973, by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Paavo Berglund. The suite consists of four movements, each depicting a different aspect of the Iron Age. The first movement, "The Forging of the Sampo," is a lively and rhythmic depiction of the creation of the mythical Sampo, a magical artifact that brings prosperity and good fortune. The music is characterized by driving rhythms and colorful orchestration, with prominent use of percussion and brass. The second movement, "The Maidens of the Island," is a hauntingly beautiful depiction of the mysterious maidens who guard the Sampo on a remote island. The music is characterized by lush harmonies and delicate orchestration, with prominent use of strings and woodwinds. The third movement, "The Great Migration," is a dramatic and powerful depiction of the migration of the Iron Age people from their homeland to new territories. The music is characterized by bold and sweeping melodies, with prominent use of brass and percussion. The final movement, "The Dance of the Narts," is a lively and energetic depiction of the Narts, a legendary group of warriors who were known for their bravery and skill in battle. The music is characterized by driving rhythms and colorful orchestration, with prominent use of percussion and brass. Overall, The Iron Age Suite, Op. 55 is a masterful work that showcases Sallinen's skill as a composer. The music is richly textured and highly evocative, capturing the spirit and essence of the Iron Age in a way that is both powerful and moving.

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