Stories by

Pianist and piano teacher Matti Raekallio reflects in the FMQ issue 2/2012 on the International Maj Lind Piano Competition 2012, held in Helsinki, where he will be a jury member.

“Far from resting on their laurels, the 15-year-old Helsinki Baroque Orchestra continue on their chosen path. Their cultural mission – early music – extends beyond Finland,” wrote Elina Roms in this 2012 article about the orchestra. Today remaining vibrant and multifaceted in their activities, this piece provides a fascinating viewpoint to the ensemble as they were in the early 2010s.

Ernst Mielck, who died at the age of only 21, is regarded as one of the most dazzling prodigies in the history of Finnish music. He was a curious figure, an outsider who nevertheless managed to make waves before his untimely death.

Internationally and domestically active conductor, John Storgårds prefers to conduct music composed with both hearts and brains – and does it with exceptional emotion and sincerity.

Colour is important in the composition process of Pekka Airaksinen, pioneer of Finnish experimental electronic music.

"This is one of the most satisfying organ CDs to come my way in a while: leaved through preludes and fugues by Buxtehude and Bach (given performances with plenty of energy and impetus) are four passacaglias (or chaconnes – nearly the same thing) by four of Finland’s leading composers, none of whom is known for organ music...

"Manala, named after the Finnish word for the underworld, is dependably epic and anthemic, offering a nonstop barrage of the kind of metal that makes men and women, brothers- and sisters-in-arms feel like hoisting their flagons and calling for more ale...

"Laitinen flexes his vocals to varied roles, portraying the whole spectrum of emotions: humour, jealousy, love, sadness, smugness, weakness, cruelty and the feeling of abandonment. As the ballads open a window into humanity, you forget the theme of murder...

The music of Esa-Pekka Salonen is like top design. It is controlled, streamlined, intelligent and functional – a pleasure, in other words...