Mikko Franck, Max Pommer, Leif Segerstam - Einojuhani Rautavaara: The 8 Symphonies (4CD BoxSet) (2009)

Einojuhani Rautavaara may well be the most popular symphonist alive today. On the occasion of his 80th anniversary, Ondine pays homage to its longtime house composer by releasing the first-ever edition of the complete eight symphonies, in a special box set. Rautavaara is recognized as the greatest Finnish composer after Jean Sibelius. He has often described symphonic music as a journey through human life. Written between 1955 and 1999, the eight symphonies form a central pillar in Rautavaara s extensive artistic output and showcase the many stylistic periods in his fruitful career. They are hauntingly accessible to the listener and have proven wide audience appeal. The Seventh Symphony, Angel of Light (1994), became a best-seller and spurred Rautavaara to considerable international fame (including a Grammy® nomination), leading the Philadelphia Orchestra to commission the Eighth Symphony, The Journey (1999), for their centenary celebrations. The included recordings have been previously released by Ondine to international popular and critical acclaim, and were all produced in close collaboration with the composer.