EINOJUHANI RAUTAVAARA (b. 1928)

BEFORE THE ICONS - A TAPESTRY OF LIFE

Before the Icons (1955/2005)

I. The Death of the Mother of God

II. Prayer

III. Two Village Saints

IV. Black Madonna of Blakernaya

V. Prayer

VI. The Baptism of Christ

VII. The Holy Women at the Sepulchre

VIII. Prayer; IX. Archangel Michael Fighting the Antichrist

X. Amen

A Tapestry of Life (2007)

I. Stars Swarming

II. Halcyon Days

III. Sighs and Tears

IV. The Last Polonaise

Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra / Leif Segerstam

These works are both presented here in their world première recording

Einojuhani Rautavaara is recognized as one of the most notable Finnish composers after Jean Sibelius. His recordings on Ondine have been bestsellers and garnered numerous awards (including a 1997 Grammy nomination for Angel of Light).

This new recording features the mystical composer’s latest orchestral works, two poignant testimonies of a mature artistic, spiritual and human personality.

The uplifting orchestral work Before the Icons (2005) is based on the earlier piano cycle Icons (1955) and therefore spans over Rautavaara’s entire career. The work drew its inspiration from a book of Orthodox icons.

Rautavaara wrote A Tapestry of Life in 2007 after an almost miraculous recovery from an acute illness. “Few contemporary composers are as skilled (…) in using tonality without compromise,” wrote the New Zealand Herald, upon its premiere.

Leif Segerstam and the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra build on their long-time pedigrees of performing their compatriot’s music.

Ondine ODE11492