Icons

Transcription by Matti Rantanen for accordion of Einojuhani Rautavaara's Icons (1955) / Matti Rantasen transkriptio harmonikalle Einojuhani Rautavaara pianosarjasta Ikonit (1955).

Rautavaara's early piano composition, the suite Ikonit (Icons; 1955) shows great variety in the young composer's style. The most traditionally Neoclassical movements are 'Kaksi maalaispyhimystä' (Two Country Saints), which harks back to the Pelimannit style, and the fast-moving finale 'Arkkienkeli Mikael kukistaa Antikristuksen' (Archangel Michael defeats the Antichrist). Another dimension in this music is Orthodox mysticism, which breaks forth in the opening section 'Jumaläidin kuolema' (The Death of the Mother of God).