Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara wrote his Symphony No. 7, subtitled Angel of Light, in 1994. It was originally known as The Bloomington Symphony in honor of it being commissioned to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Bloomington (Indiana) Symphony Orchestra. It belongs to his Angel Series, inspired by childhood dreams and revelations. The symphony has won wide popularity for its deep spirituality. The premiere recording by Segerstam has won a Grammy nomination.
Contents
Movements
- Tranquillo (~12')
- Molto allegro (~6')
- Come un sogno (~10')
- Pesante - Cantabile (~10')
Instrumentation
Woodwinds: 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in Bb, 2 Bassoons. Brass: 4 Horns in F, 3 Trumpets in Bb, 3 Trombones, 1 Tuba. Percussion: Timpani, suspended cymbal, snare drum, glockenspiel, xylophone, marimba, vibraphone, tom-toms, tam-tams. Strings: Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Violoncello, Contrabass, Harp.
Premiere
Bloomington Symphony Orchestra in 1994