Composer

:

Einojuhani Rautavaara

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1992

First Performance

:

Apr 3, 1993

Average_duration

:

9:09

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Einojuhani Rautavaara's 'Pelimannit, Op. 1' is a suite of folk dances arranged for orchestra by Matti Rantanen. The work was composed in 1952 and premiered in Helsinki, Finland on May 22, 1953, by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Nils-Eric Fougstedt. The suite consists of six movements, each based on a traditional Finnish folk dance. The first movement, 'Jenkka', is a lively dance in 2/4 time, characterized by its syncopated rhythms and playful melodies. The second movement, 'Humppa', is a slower dance in 3/4 time, featuring a lilting melody and a gentle, swaying rhythm. The third movement, 'Polkka', is a fast-paced dance in 2/4 time, characterized by its driving rhythms and virtuosic violin solos. The fourth movement, 'Reinlender', is a dance in 4/4 time, featuring a lively melody and a bouncy, energetic rhythm. The fifth movement, 'Valssi', is a waltz in 3/4 time, characterized by its graceful melodies and flowing, romantic rhythms. The final movement, 'Hopsa', is a lively dance in 2/4 time, featuring a playful melody and a driving, syncopated rhythm. Overall, 'Pelimannit, Op. 1' is a charming and lively suite of folk dances that showcases Rautavaara's skillful use of orchestration and his deep appreciation for Finnish folk music. The work has become a beloved staple of the Finnish orchestral repertoire and continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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