Auvinen, Antti
Antti Auvinen (b. 1974) is an exciting name on the Finnish classical music scene. He studied at the Amsterdam Conservatory, with composition as his main subject. Rhythm, timbre, the potential of multimedia as well as unconventional combinations of instruments and ways of playing them are his particular interests. His bold style has won attention and acclaim both at home in Finland and abroad.
Rhythm is a focal feature of Auvinen’s works: a means of creating and releasing musical tensions. His music is marked by a dynamic charge, explosive energy and surprise. A number of his compositions include videos or sampler-enhanced sound worlds as a musical element. An example is Turbo Aria (2017), premiered by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, in which an unrestrained playfulness liberally combines the sounds of toys and computer games with old recordings of star sopranos.
Despite its modern approaches, the music of Antti Auvinen slips with ease into the centuries-old classical-music continuum, and the emotional charges generated by music occupy an important role. Art, he says, affects people deepest down, in the realm of emotion.
The works of Auvinen are keenly in keeping with the times. The contemporary composer can, according to him, express views on the world around him in his music. The work that marked Auvinen’s breakthrough was Junker Twist for orchestra premiered by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra in 2015. The theme was concern about extreme, right-wing, populist phenomena. Orchestral works by him include Himmel Punk (2016), commissioned by the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra and Digital Madrigal (2018) for video and orchestra commissioned by the Tapiola Sinfonietta, in which he combines orchestral timbres with manipulated films and video installations. He has also composed other large-scale works such as Aalto (2003-04), Breathe for piano and strings (2005), Februa for clarinet and orchestra (2006) and 12 Fn Kies (2017) for moog and big band. His chamber opera Autuus (Bliss) won the Finnish Teosto Prize in 2016. Among Auvinen’s other works are Cantus fresco disco (2020) for orchestra and video, a co-commission from the Joensuu City Orchestra and the Jyväskylä Sinfonia, and Andalusian Panzerwagen Jazz, a guitar concerto premiered in 2021 by the Finnish Radio Orchestra with Petri Kumela as the soloist. The Helsinki Philharmonic commissioned and premiered Auvinen’s Stabat Tiger Mater (2022) for orchestra -a piece which is part of the orchestra’s Helsinki Variation series. The flute concerto Ventilation Beat was premiered in 2023 at the Summer Sounds festival in Porvoo of the Avanti! Chamber Orchestra with Bjørnar Habbestad as the soloist. His solo works include e.g. Eliangelis (2005) for clarinet.
Ondine Records released a profile disc of works by Antti Auvinen including three orchestral works (Junker Twist, Himmel Punk and Turbo Aria) performed by Hannu Lintu and the Finnish RSO. The CD has been met with great enthusiasm. According to the review by the Finnish Broadcasting Company: “The almost pitch-less and harmony-less music strikes straight to the subconscious, with its turbocharged rhythms and drifts of thick, muted timbres. The music draws, unasked, emotional energy from the listener, but in return provides catharsis.”
You can watch here some video material used in Auvinen’s work Digital Madrigal.
Aalto for orchestra
(2003-2004)
3(III+afl)3(III=ca)3(III=bcl)3-4331-03-pf-str Percussion: Crystal Glass (tuned in Ab), Xylophone, Vibraphone, Crotales, Chimes, Triangle, Flexatone, 2 Cymbals, Water Gong, Tamtam, 2 Bongos, 2 Tom-toms, Bass Drum
Duration: 18
Andalusian Panzerwagen Jazz
(2020)
for guitar and orchestra
2222-2000-02-str Flutes & Oboes doubling Cracklebox Percussion 1: Timpani (2 drums), Bass drum, Bass drum with foot pedal, Bongos, 10 Thai gongs (h, c1, d1, d#1, g1, a1, h1, d2, dis2, a2), Opera gong, Spiral cymbal (small), Stacked cymbal, China cymbal, Tamtam, Vibraphone (with a set of 1 Metal Bowl, 1 Gong, 1 Metal Object without sustain, 1 Woodblock), Triangle (large), Flexatone, Crystal glass (any pitch), 5 Temple blocks, Sand paper (fine), Shell wind chimes, Bamboo wind chimes, Plastic block, Cuica, Lion’s roar, 3 Metal objects (no sustain), Metal bucket (with threated metal rod), Metal object with metal foot pedal, Referee whistle, Hunting whistle (Tetrastes bonasia), Egg slicer, Toy hammer with whistle, Dog chew toys in a bag, Cracklebox Percussion 2: Timpani (2 drums), Snare drum, Tom-tom (low), Bass drum, 3 Cymbals (including a sizzle cymbal), 3 Opera gongs (two gliss. up, one gliss. down), Tamtam (small), Crotales (d3, g3, a3, h3, c4, c#4, d4, a4, h4, c5 with two vibrators ad lib., one for a louder tremolo and another for a softer tremolo), Triangle (large), Liquid triangle, Metal bells (high), Board chirper (with guitar ampl. or similar), Hunting whistle 1 (Lyrurus tetrix), Squirrel call, Paper roll-Out whistle, Toy horn with push duck call (shaker), Egg slicer, Toy hammer with whistle, Board, Postcard weevil (with guitar amp, or sim.) a Set of 1 Crotales (d#4), 1 Bowl, 1 Gong, Metal Object (no sustain), woodblock on the table Cracklebox is a noise making electronic device which generates various sounds and tones when touched by the performer’s fingers. It is recommended that each Cracklebox is lightly amplified in the concert. See the video for instructions how to play Cracklebox: https://vimeo.com/anttiauvinen/review/530703015/58cf87791e Postcard weevil (or any other similar kind of noise making electronic device with on-off switch and audio line out) with Guitar Amp. Prepare the device so that it generates a sound when switched on. Use the on/off switch for playing as notated in the part. The sound can be modified freely while playing. See the video for instructions how to play Postcard Weevil: https://vimeo.com/anttiauvinen/review/520884509/95cff6706e
Duration: 25
Andalusian Panzerwagen Jazz
Concerto for Guitar (Baroque Orchestra Version) (2020/23)
for guitar and baroque orchestra
0201-2(nat.hns)000-01-str(32111) Oboes also play Cracklebox Percussion: 2 Timpani, Snare drum, Stacked cymbals (trash), Chinese cymbal, Tamtam (small), Opera gong, 3 Crotales (D, G#, C), Glockenspiel (with a set of Gong, Metal object, Metal bowl & Woodblock on a table), Triangle, 3 Metal bells (played with beaters and 2 small motors), Toy horn, Duck call, Hunting whistle (lyrurus tetrix), Paper roll-out whistle, Egg slicer, Toy hammer (+whistle), Sandpaper, Crystal glass, Dog chew toys (in a bag), Cuica, Lion's roar, Postcard weevil (with amplifier), Board chirper (with amplifier) Tuning 430 Hz
Duration: 25
Andalusian Panzerwagen Jazz
Concerto for Guitar (Chamber Orchestra Version) (2020 / 2022)
for guitar and chamber orchestra
1111-1000-02-pf-str (11111) Flute and Bassoon doubling Cracklebox Piano with preparation (chopsticks, piece of rubber, metal object) Percussion 1: Timpani (2 drums), Bass drum, Bass drum with foot pedal, Bongos, 10 Thai gongs (h, c1, d1, d#1, g1, a1, h1, d2, dis2, a2), Opera gong, Spiral cymbal (small), Stacked cymbal, China cymbal, Tamtam, Vibraphone (with a set of 1 Metal Bowl, 1 Gong, 1 Metal Object without sustain, 1 Woodblock), Triangle (large), Flexatone, Crystal glass (any pitch), 5 Temple blocks, Sand paper (fine), Shell wind chimes, Bamboo wind chimes, Plastic block, Cuica, Lion’s roar, 3 Metal objects (no sustain), Metal bucket (with threated metal rod), Metal object with metal foot pedal, Referee whistle, Hunting whistle (Tetrastes bonasia), Egg slicer, Toy hammer with whistle, Dog chew toys in a bag, Cracklebox Percussion 2: Timpani (2 drums), Snare drum (with Triangle), Tom-tom (low), Bass drum, 3 Cymbals (including a sizzle cymbal), 3 Opera gongs (two gliss. up, one gliss. down), Tamtam (small), Crotales (d3, g3, a3, h3, c4, c#4, d4, a4, h4, c5 with two vibrators ad lib., one for a louder tremolo and another for a softer tremolo), Triangle (large), Liquid triangle, Metal bells (high), Board chirper (with guitar ampl. or similar), Hunting whistle 1 (Lyrurus tetrix), Squirrel call, Paper roll-out whistle, Toy horn with push), Duck call (shaker), Squirrel call, Egg slicer, Toy hammer with whistle, Board, Postcard weevil (with guitar amp, or sim.), Set of 1 Crotales (d#4), 1 Bowl, 1 Gong, Metal object (no sustain), woodblock on the table Cracklebox is a noise making electronic device which generates various sounds and tones when touched by the performer’s fingers. It is recommended that each Cracklebox is lightly amplified in the concert. See the video for instructions how to play Cracklebox: https://vimeo.com/anttiauvinen/review/530703015/58cf87791e Postcard weevil (or any other similar kind of noise making electronic device with on-off switch and audio line out) with Guitar Amp. Prepare the device so that it generates a sound when switched on. Use the on/off switch for playing as notated in the part. The sound can be modified freely while playing. See the video for instructions how to play Postcard Weevil: https://vimeo.com/anttiauvinen/review/520884509/95cff6706e
Duration: 25
Andalusian Panzerwagen Jazz
Toy Hire
toy instruments and electronic devices needed in the performance
1 Board Chirper (to be attached with guitar amplifier or similar) 4 Crackleboxes 4 Dog Chew Toys in a bag 1 Duck Call (shaker) 2 Egg Slicers 3 Hunting Whistles (Lyrurus tetrix, Tetrastes bonasia & Squirrel Call) 3 Motors (for Crotales) 2 Paper Roll-Out Whistles 1 Postcard Weevil (with adapter, to be attached with guitar amplifier or similar) 2 Toy Hammer (with whistle) 1 Toy Horn (with push)
Duration: 0
Boundary Bourrée
(2024)
for ensemble
cl-perc-pf(prep)-elguit-vc-cb Clarinet doubling Stylophone (miniature analog keyboard instrument amplified with PA or small guitar amp.) Percussion (1 player): Cymbal, Opera Gong, Crotales (C, C#, D, A), Vibraphone, Woodblock, 3 Metal Objects (ad lib.), 2 Plastic Objects (ad lib.), RoAT (8bit noise synthesizer amplified with PA or small guitar amp.) Piano with chopstick and tape preparation Commissioned by Tampere Biennale for Crash Ensemble.
Duration: 8
Breathe for Piano and String Orchestra
(2005)
str (min 54321), pf solo
Duration: 11
Cantus fresco disco
for Orchestra with Video (2020)
2222-2200-01-keyb(video control)-str Includes a video file & technical instructions Percussion: Timpani, Chimes, Gongs (f4, a4, a#4, h4, c5, d5, d#5, f5, a#5), 2 Small gongs, Medium gong, Opera gong (gliss. up), Large cymbal, Small cymbal, China cymbal, Stacked cymbals, Mark tree, Flexatone, Tom-tom, Bongo drums, Bass drum, Temple blocks & and a metal object (no sustain), Woodblock, Vibraslap, 2 Toy hammers with horn, Bike horn, Referee whistle, Party paper roll whistle, Hunting whistle (Lyryrus tetrix), Squirrel call, Duck call / Shaker
Duration: 15
Crème fraîche
(2024)
for big band and mixed choir
2asax(+ssax+fl;II+cl)-2tsax(I+barsax+cl)-barsax(+bcl)-14(+flhn;IV+fl)31-pf-bguit-dr Text: Harry Salmenniemi
Duration: 9
Digital Madrigal
for Orchestra and Video (2018)
2222-2200-02-midi keyboard-str 3 video projections on the stage behind or above the orchestra (midi keyboard triggering)
Duration: 25
Februa for Clarinet and Orchestra
(2006)
2(I+picc,II+afl)2(II=ca)1(=bcl)2-2210-02-pf-str Percussione I: Timpani, Snare drum, Temple blocks, Slapstick, Guiro, 2 Maracas (high & low), Bamboo wind chimes, Glockenspiel, Bell tree, 2 Suspended cymbals (normal & sizzle), 3 Hanging metal objects (different sizes), Brake Drum, Large chain (c. 1 m) & Thunder sheet (on the floor), 2 Empty soda cans, Tamtam Percussione II: 2 Bongos, 4 Tom-toms, Bass drum, 2 Sand paper blocks (on the stand) (fine & coarse), Vibraslap (on the stand), Tambourine (on the stand), Log drum, Crotales, Chimes, Triangle, Flexatone, Metal wind, Chimes, Finger cymbal row (hanging / c. 15 pcs.), 3 Suspended cymbals (small splash 12", normal, china 20"), 2 Empty soda cans, Thunder sheet (hanging), Metal spring (hanging)
Duration: 15
Himmel Punk
for Orchestra (2016)
3(II+picc,III=afl)3(III=ca)3(III=bcl)3(III=cfg)-4331-14-hp-pf-str
Duration: 15
Junker Twist
for Orchestra (2015)
3(II+picc,III=afl)3(III=ca)3(III=bcl)3(III=cfg)-4331-13-hp-pf-str
Duration: 10
Stabat Tiger Mater
Helsinki Variations (2022)
for orchestra
4(III+afl+picc;IV=picc)4(IV=ca)4(III+ebcl;IV=bcl)4(IV=cfg)-4331-14-str Percussion: 1: Snare Drum, Djembe, Bass Drum, Small Cymbal (stacked), Crotales (+small motor for fast crotales tremolo), Xylophone, Referee Whistle, Squirrel Call (whistle), Bark Squirrel Call, Flexatone, 2 Bicycle Horns 2: Tom-tom (low), Bass Drum, Stacked Cymbal, Small Tamtam, Bass Marimba, Triangle, Slide whistle, Nightingale Whistle, Moose Call (horn), 2 Metal Objects (low & high), Bicycle Bell (low) 3: 2 Bongos, Marimba, Chimes, Woodblock, Bicycle Bell (high), High Metal Objects (with sustain), 2 High Bells, Toy Hammer with Horn, Boat Horn, Air Spray 4: Conga, Drum Skin, Cymbals a2, Cymbal, Small China Cymbal, Tamtam, 2 High Bells, Castanets, Large Maracas, Rhythm Egg, Cuica, Cabasa, Squirrel Call, Duck Call (shaker), Chew Toys (in a bag), Bike Horn (low), Toy Hammer with Horn, Mouse Coaxer, Hunting Whistle (Tetrastes bonasia), Harmonica
Duration: 7
Turbo Aria
for Orchestra with Sampler (2017, rev. 2018)
3(II+picc&afl,III+picc)3(3+ca)3(III=bcl)3(III=cfg)-4331-14-hp-pf-sampler-str Sampler information: 1 Computer with Ableton LIve 9 Suite (9.7.3) 1 Keyboard with midi-controllers (88 Keys) 2 Channel stereo PA The keyboard should have at least 10 mappable controllers: 5 Knobs / Slides 5 Buttons / Switches
Duration: 0
Twelve Fn Kies
for Moog and Big Band (2017)
Solo: Synthesizer 2asax[ssax]-2tsax-barsax—4tpt-3trb-btrb—dr-pno-bgtr
Duration: 25
Ventilation Beat
Concerto for Flute and Chamber Orchestra (2023)
for flute and chamber orchestra
1(=picc&bfl)11(=bcl)1(=cfg)-1110-03-pf-acc-str Woodwinds also play Stylophone Percussion 1: 2 Timpani, Snare drum, Tom-tom (low), Bongo, Log drum, Bass drum, Cymbal (with bow), Stacked cymbal, 2 Gongs (high & low), Crotales, 3 High Bells (indefinite pitch) +motor, Guiro, Ratchet, 2 Clickers, Referee whistle, Wooden whistle, Bamboo wind chimes, 2 Metal objects, Metal bucket, Sand paper, 2 Empty soda cans Percussion 2: 2 Congas, Stacked cymbal, Tamtam, 4 Plate bells (C, D, F, F#, B), Bicycle bell, Claves, Woodblocks, Slapstick, Metal wind chimes, Mark tree, 2 Metal objects, Metal bucket, Hunting whistle, Air spray, 2 Clickers, Sand paper, Ribbon crasher, Cardboard box, Toy Hammer Percussion 3: Bongo, Bass drum (with pedal), Drum skin, Cymbal (with bow), Sizzle cymbal, China cymbal, Gong (indefinite pitch), Rhythm egg, Cabasa, Metal wind chime, Megaphone (with feedback), Metal rod, Metal bucket, Water bird whistle, Hunting whistle, Toy hammer with whistle, Pop gun, Vibraslap, Duck call (shaker), Lion's roar, 2 Clickers, Sand paper, Ribbon crasher, Air spray, Styrofoam
Duration: 17
Stabat Tiger Mater
HKO/Pekka Kuusisto
Andalusian Panzerwagen Jazz (Guitar Concerto)
RSO/Dalia Stasevska, sol. Petri Kumela
Turbo Aria
Finnish RSO/Hannu Lintu
Junker Twist
Finnish RSO/Jukka-Pekka Saraste
12 FN Kies
UMO Jazz Orchestra/Mikko Hassinen
Eliangelis
Mikko Raasakka, clarinet (Alba Records)
Singel Excelsis
Susanne Kujala, organ (Alba Records)
Spotify playlist:
(Junker Twist, Turbo Aria, Himmel Punk, Eliangelis)