Sonninen, Ahti

(1914-1984)

Ahti Sonninen (11.7.1914-28.7.1984) studied theory and composition at the Sibelius Academy in 1939–47). He taught at the Sibelius Academy in 1957–77 and was director of the East Helsinki Music Institute in 1965–84. He was made an honorary professor in 1974.

Sonninen scored success with his ballet Pessi ja Illusia (Pessi and Illusia), which was premiered in Helsinki in 1952 and broadcast on TV. Sonninen’s early works, particularly Sinfonisia tuokioita (Symphonic Moments, 1946–47) and Rhapsody, were bold experiments in modernism, however, neo-classical impulses and the influence of archaic Finnish music came to dominate. He wrote also pieces for young performers, e.g. in the album Music for Young Cellists which is still widely used in cello teaching.

Among Ahti Sonninen’s best-known compositions is the beloved Christmas song Rauhaa, vain rauhaa (Peace, Perfect Peace) which has been arranged for orchestra. Fennica Gehrman also publishes his popular pieces for string orchestra such as Five Nordic Melodies, Cantate cantica socii (Three Melodies from Piae Cantiones from 1582), Koska valaissee kointähtönen (When Does the Morning Star Light up) and Juvenalia for cello and strings Op. 65. His orchestral songs include Liai’s Aria from the opera Merenkuninkaan tytär (The Daughter of Neptune).

Cantate cantica socii

Three Melodies from Piae Cantiones 1582

for string orchestra

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Duration: 6

Five Nordic Melodies [SALES MATERIAL]

Viisi pohjoismaista sävelmää

for string orchestra

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Duration: 14

Juhannusyö / Midsummer Night

(1944/45)

for soprano and orchestra

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Duration: 11

Juvenalia

for violoncello and string orchestra

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Duration: 10

Karjalan neidon lauluja / Songs of a Karelian Maid

(1948)

for soprano and orchestra

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Duration: 6

Koska valaissee kointähtönen [SALES MATERIAL]

When Does the Morning Star Light up (1949/63)

for string orchestra

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Duration: 4

Laulu onnesta / A Song of Happiness

for low voice and orchestra

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Duration: 3

Lia'n aria /Lia's Aria (oopp.Merenkuninkaan tytär)

from the opera The Daughter of Neptune (1949)

for soprano and string orchestra

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Duration: 4

Rauhaa, vain rauhaa (arr. Kuusisto)

Hör, julens klockor ringa in frid

for medium voice and string orchestra

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Duration: 3

Viisi laulua Raamatun sanoihin

Five Songs to the Texts from Bible

for voice and orchestra

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Duration: 10