Composer

:

Einojuhani Rautavaara

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1975

First Performance

:

Jun 11, 1976

Average_duration

:

1:45

'Lähtö' is a composition by the Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara. It was composed in 1970 and premiered in Helsinki the same year. The piece is a part of Rautavaara's larger work, 'Cantus Arcticus', which is a concerto for birds and orchestra. 'Lähtö' is the second movement of 'Cantus Arcticus' and is translated to 'Departure' in English. The piece is inspired by the migration of birds and the feeling of departure that comes with it. The movement begins with a solo flute playing a simple melody that is then echoed by the rest of the orchestra. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the strings and brass sections joining in to create a sense of urgency and movement. As the piece progresses, the music becomes more chaotic and dissonant, reflecting the confusion and uncertainty that comes with leaving one's home. The music eventually reaches a climax before gradually fading away, leaving only the sound of the solo flute once again. One of the most notable characteristics of 'Lähtö' is its use of recorded bird sounds. Rautavaara recorded the sounds of birds in the Arctic Circle and incorporated them into the piece, creating a unique and immersive listening experience. The use of bird sounds also adds to the sense of movement and departure that the piece conveys. Overall, 'Lähtö' is a powerful and evocative piece of music that captures the feeling of departure and the migration of birds. Its use of recorded bird sounds and its gradual build in intensity make it a memorable and unique composition within Rautavaara's larger work, 'Cantus Arcticus'.

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