Rautavaara: Symphony No. 7 - Angel of Light / Annunciations for Organ, Brass & Winds

Angel of Light is Einojuhani Rautavaara's seventh symphony. Written in 1994, Angel of Light is a slowly unfolding sonic landscape of misty impressions and elevated language. It has no program, but the music does evoke a serene mood and is very hymn-like. This is one of Rautavaar's most "user-friendly" symphonies. Annuciations (1976-77) employs a large wind orchestra and concertante brass quintet, as well as an organ. The spectrum of sound Rautavaara gets from this combination has to be heard to believed. Rautavaara's music is the shimmer of the aurora borealis. Spooky. Enlightening. --Paul Cook