film music

Helsinki’s concert calendar is full of film music, from small-scale tributes to large orchestral productions. This column looks at what sets these concerts apart, and how they turn music audiences already know into the promise of something new.

"I used to think of tight schedules as something that stand in the way of creativity. That the mind always needs time to ponder, weigh and analyse before the music can flow. I’ve since come to realise it’s far more complicated than that," writes film composer Panu Aaltio. This column is part of the series "On my music and beyond" where composers and other music makers write about their music.

"For me, the most important function of music is to convey and catalyse emotions. This is why rich textures and powerful melodies play such a central role in my music," writes Mari Sainio. This column is part of the series where composers and musicians write about their music.

"A poignant soundscape that works equally well as a standalone work and as a movie score."

"I knew Järnefelt for a fine composer and was looking forward to my encounter with this score, but I was taken aback by the sheer quality of the music."

What is the societal function of music – and art in general – in addressing violence? Should art depict violence, and if so, how?

Finnish war films feature exquisite music. To help you get the most out of the music, here is a listener's guide to the cream of the crop — although that includes one film with no score at all.

Finnish cinema is enjoying a major boom: the higher degree of professionalism and the growing rate of new releases are paying dividends in bigger box-office figures. In the process, music is regaining its status as part of the total experience, and the severed link between directors and composers is being restored again.

..the ten short films included on Disc One of Live At We Jazz – Season 1 do an excellent job of conveying the wealth of talent and diversity of sounds to be found on the Finnish jazz scene...