The music of Finnish composer Kalevi Aho, rooted in the mainstream tonality of the major 20th century symphonists but with a distinctive mystical and ritual streak, is deservedly becoming more popular. This release offers a pair of concertos by Aho, both composed in 2011. The big news is the theremin concerto, part of very small literature for that instantly recognizable instrument (there's even a cat-and-theremin video online if you need a laugh). Aho was induced to compose this work by a request from a German theremin ...
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The music of Finnish composer Kalevi Aho, rooted in the mainstream tonality of the major 20th century symphonists but with a distinctive mystical and ritual streak, is deservedly becoming more popular. This release offers a pair of concertos by Aho, both composed in 2011. The big news is the theremin concerto, part of very small literature for that instantly recognizable instrument (there's even a cat-and-theremin video online if you need a laugh). Aho was induced to compose this work by a request from a German theremin player, Carolina Eyck. Having composed concertos for other unusual instruments, and being in the midst of a series of solo concertos, Aho agreed. As it happens, the theremin is ideally suited to Aho's style, and the concerto might serve as an introduction to his later music for those who've never heard it. The work is titled Acht Jahreszeiten (Eight Seasons), a concept originating with the Sami people who divide the year thus. Each season exploits the possibilities of the theremin in a...
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