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Symphony No. 3

Einojuhani Rautavaara Music 1960 — The more I listen to this work, the more I admire it. I am not a Romantic by temper, and this is a very Romantic symphony, notwithstanding traces of dodecaphony. Rautavaara's quiet opening doesn't stay quiet, and that first movement really does pack a wallop. Most commentators mention Bruckner, and it is reminiscent of Bruckner, I guess, but do I notice Sibelian procedures of development? I've not studied the score, so I can't adjudicate controversial matters like that, and I can't explain how something allegedly imbued with Schoenbergian serialism could be so tonal and tuneful. The opening woodwind glissandi becomes an important motif for the whole work, as near as I can make out, and, unlike in Schoenberg, we hear it repeated. We welcome it each time. This is one of the great Finnish symphonies, no matter what procedures or textures it echoes.
Wirkman Netizen: Symphonies
25 Mar 07 21:38 Match

Vigilia

Einojuhani Rautavaara Music The great, recent a capella masterpiece from one of today's greatest composers. I've been listening to this over and over for the past few weeks. One of his best works, and utterly captivating choral music. Better even than Arvo Part.
Wirkman Netizen
08 Nov 04 01:02 Match

Symphony No. 1

Einojuhani Rautavaara Music 1956, 1988 — A youthful work that the aging composer recently pared down. And, in the paring, a masterpiece is revealed. Next to the Finnish composer's wondrous Cantus Arcticus, this is his work I most often stop and listen to. The first movement is romantic, dramatic. The second movement is much lighter, more impish in a manner suggesting Prokofieff. And that's all, folks: two movements. But, with music this good, two movements are enough.
Wirkman Netizen: Symphonies
29 Nov 03 20:15 Match

Symphony No. 5

Einojuhani Rautavaara Music 1986 — This symphony begins with an orchestral swell that is so arresting that the audience is in danger of fainting, from the simple holding of breath! An impressive single-movement symphony, it is marred by a few moments where Rautavaara channels Varese rather than his own muse. Oh, well; otherwise it is flawless.
Wirkman Netizen: Symphonies
29 Nov 03 20:08 Match