Works for Organ 1966-2006 - Heininen, Paavo; Lehtola, Jan; Pulkamo, Risto; Konttori-Gustafsson, Annikka (Finland Pilfink Records, 2013)
Modernism, Paavo Heininen has said, means openness to all the existing possibilities. Evidence of that mantra is clearly to be heard in the composers music for organ, a consistent thread throughout a long career that has ranged across genres from operas and symphonies to electro-acoustic and jazz. Jan Lehtolas authoritative four-disc survey spans as many decades to offer a vital portrait of Finlands leading composer. With revealing notes by Heininen himself, it includes his first major work for organ, Oculus aquilae (a virtuosic exploration of polyphony); his first large-scale vocal work, the heartfelt and subtle Cantico delle creature; and the exquisite Bell Psalms for piano and organ. With a playing time of nearly five hours, an essential release.
Keywords: 20th Century (1901-2000); 21st Century (2001-2100); Organ music; Finland