Rautavaara: On The Last Frontier

Release Date: 04/13/1999
Label: Ondine Catalog #: 921
Composer: Einojuhani Rautavaara
Performer: Patrick Gallois
Conductor: Leif Segerstam
Orchestra/Ensemble: Finnish Philharmonic Choir, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra


1 Anadyomene - Adoration of Aphrodite (1968) 12:23
2 Flute Concerto, Op. 63 - Dances With The Winds (1975): Andantino 08:30
3 Flute Concerto, Op. 63 - Dances With The Winds (1975): Vivace 01:47
4 Flute Concerto, Op. 63 - Dances With The Winds (1975): Andante moderato 07:28
5 Flute Concerto, Op. 63 - Dances With The Winds (1975): Allegro 05:16
6 On The Last Frontier (A Fantasy for Chorus and Orchestra, 1997) 24:01



During the last decade, Einojuhani Rautavaara (b. 1928) has proven himself to be one of this century's greatest composers, standing shoulder to shoulder with Jean Sibelius in the annals of Finnish music. But while Sibelius relied more on melodic structures and thematic development, Rautavaara's musical ideas are advanced through atmospherics. This particular release contains a brilliant flute concerto, a ghostly tone poem (Anadyomene), and a beautiful fantasy for chorus and orchestra (On the Last Frontier). Conductor Leif Segerstam pilots the Helsinki Philharmonic (and flutist Patrick Gallois) through some of Rautavaara's best music here, particularly the flute concerto. Without a doubt this is a major release of classical music this year--and not a bad introduction to this astonishing composer. Very highly recommended. --Paul Cook