Composer

:

Einojuhani Rautavaara

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1997

First Performance

:

Jul 8, 1997

Average_duration

:

12:52

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Einojuhani Rautavaara's 'Songs (4) from the Opera Aleksis Kivi' is a vocal work composed in 1997. The piece was premiered on August 23, 1997, at the Helsinki Festival by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jukka-Pekka Saraste, with soloist Jorma Hynninen. The work consists of four movements, each based on a different character from the opera 'Aleksis Kivi.' The first movement, 'The Poet's Dream,' is a hauntingly beautiful aria sung by the protagonist, Aleksis Kivi. The second movement, 'The Old Maid's Lament,' is a melancholic song sung by the character Katarina, who is in love with Kivi but cannot have him. The third movement, 'The Cripple's Lament,' is a mournful song sung by the character August, who is Kivi's friend and confidant. The final movement, 'The Devil's Dance,' is a lively and energetic piece that captures the devilish spirit of the character Juhani. Rautavaara's 'Songs (4) from the Opera Aleksis Kivi' is characterized by its use of lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and evocative orchestration. The composer's skillful use of vocal and instrumental textures creates a rich and complex musical landscape that perfectly captures the emotional depth and complexity of the opera's characters. Overall, 'Songs (4) from the Opera Aleksis Kivi' is a stunning vocal work that showcases Rautavaara's mastery of both vocal and orchestral composition. Its premiere was met with critical acclaim, and it has since become a beloved piece in the repertoire of many vocalists and orchestras around the world.

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