Symphony No. 7 (Rautavaara) Explained

Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara wrote his Symphony No. 7, subtitled Angel of Light, in 1994. It was originally known as The Bloomington Symphony, as it was commissioned to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra.^[1] Belonging to his Angel Series, inspired by childhood dreams and revelations, the symphony has won wide popularity for its deep spirituality. The premier performance was by the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra in 1994. In 1997 the premiere recording, by Leif Segerstam, was nominated for the Grammy Award for "Best Classical Contemporary Composition".^[2]

Movements

1. Tranquillo ("tranquil", about 12 minutes)
2. Molto allegro ("lively tempo", about 6 minutes)
3. Come un sogno ("like a dream, about 10 minutes)
4. Pesante - Cantabile ("profound - song-like", about 10 minutes)

Instrumentation

Woodwinds

• 2 Flutes
• 2 Oboes
  • 2 Clarinets in B♭ 2 Bassoons

Brass

• 4 Horns in F
• 3 Trumpets in B♭
• 3 Trombones
• 1 Tuba

Percussion (4 players)

• Timpani
• Suspended cymbal
• Snare drum
• Glockenspiel
• Xylophone
• Marimba
• Vibraphone
• Tom-toms
• Tam-tams

Strings

• Violin I
• Violin II
• Violas
• Cellos
• Double basses
• Harp

Recordings

Orchestra	Conductor	Record Company	Year of Recording	Format
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra	Leif Segerstam	Ondine Records	1995	CD
Lahti Symphony Orchestra	Osmo Vänskä	BIS Records	1999	CD
Royal Scottish National Orchestra	Hannu Koivula	Naxos Records	2001	CD

Notes and References

1. Web site: Rautavaara: "Angel of Light" Symphony. On 6 January 2011 at 18:04 richard baker. said. June 10, 2009.
2. Web site: Rautavaara: Angel Of Light / Segerstam, Helsinki P ... - Ondine: 03731772 | Buy from ArkivMusic. www.arkivmusic.com.