Kaisa Ranta (sop); Tapiola Chamber Choir & Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Anna-Maria Helsing.
Sad news: composer & pianist Paavo Johannes Heininen has died at the age of 84. First performance of his Kaukametsä (January 11, 2013; Helsinki).
This is sad news for tbe development of music in Finland. Heininen disassociated himself from the Sibelian roots he grew up with in the 1950’s and aligned his ambitions with the European modernist mainstream with great success. Seen as a pioneer in Finland he kept to his quest for freshness in expression.
Paavo Johannes Heininen was a great composer and someday we will be able
to compare his music with many others of his generation.
Who are the worthy living composers today ?
Can we skip the music of Paavo Heininen ?
NO, NEVER !
To support your sentiments: for those who despair that great works in symphonic form are no longer possible, consider Heininen’s new 7th symphony (and also the magnificent 3rd and 5th symphonies), which has the level of craftsmanship, originality, and inspiration characteristic of a masterpiece. Deeply rewarding, and in my view, worthy of becoming a repertoire staple. Now if only enterprising orchestras and recording companies would take more notice. With the composer’s recent passing, the world of contemporary music has lost one of its great masters.