In the course of a long compositional career, the defining feature of the music of the Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara, who has died at the age of 87, was its stylistic adaptability. The distinctive Rautavaara soundworld familiar from his later, internationally successful works evolved only gradually, achieving its fully recognisable form in the 1980s.
A prolific composer, he wrote eight symphonies, nine operas, 12 instrumental (and one choral) concertos, plus a wide variety of orchestral, chamber, instrumental, choral and vocal works.
One of the great composers of the 20th century. Check out his 8 Symphonies (Amazon.com, Amazon UK) and his 12 Concertos (Amazon.com, Amazon UK).
Source: Einojuhani Rautavaara obituary | Music | The Guardian