Work of the Week - Olli Mustonen: Jehkin Iivana

On 30 July Olli Mustonen will be in Hämeenlinna to direct the Helsinki Festival Orchestra in the world premiere of his new orchestral work Jehkin Iivana.

Originally written in 2005 as a sonata for solo guitar, the work was was inspired by the adventorous life of Iivana Shemeikka (1843-1911). Shemeikka, who became known as Jehkin Iivana, was one of the last and most renowned interpreters of the ancient art of Rune (arachaic poetry) singing in Kareleien. Jehkin Iivana crosses mystical worlds and legends in Mustonens interpretation, using again and again the musical language of the nordic Klanglichkeit.  In this work, Mustonen has undoubtedly taken a step forward in his compositional development.