THE RESONANCE ATLAS
Kalevi Aho
Biography
Kalevi Aho (born 1949) is a Finnish composer whose extensive catalogue encompasses symphonies, concertos, operas and chamber music. He studied at the Sibelius Academy and continued his studies in Berlin. Aho is particularly notable for his sustained exploration of individual instruments, writing demanding, richly characterised works that expand their expressive possibilities.
Why this music interests us
Aho's Quintet for Bassoon and String Quartet (1977) gives the bassoon an unusually substantial chamber role. His two wind quintets, from 2006 and 2014, explore a wide range of colour and instrumental relationships, with the later work making striking use of wind doublings. These pieces embody Resonance's interest in ambitious repertoire that combines practical chamber forces with a distinctive compositional voice.
Selected works & listening
Quintet for Bassoon and String Quartet (1977); Wind Quintet No. 1 (2006); Wind Quintet No. 2 (2014; flute/piccolo/alto flute, oboe/cor anglais, clarinet, bassoon, horn)
Further information