Sonninen, Ahti

(1914-1984)

Ahti Sonninen (11.7.1914-28.7.1984) studied theory and composition at the Sibelius Academy in 1939–47). He taught at the Sibelius Academy in 1957–77 and was director of the East Helsinki Music Institute in 1965–84. He was made an honorary professor in 1974.

Sonninen scored success with his ballet Pessi ja Illusia (Pessi and Illusia), which was premiered in Helsinki in 1952 and broadcast on TV. Sonninen’s early works, particularly Sinfonisia tuokioita (Symphonic Moments, 1946–47) and Rhapsody, were bold experiments in modernism, however, neo-classical impulses and the influence of archaic Finnish music came to dominate. He wrote also pieces for young performers, e.g. in the album Music for Young Cellists which is still widely used in cello teaching.

Among Ahti Sonninen’s best-known compositions is the beloved Christmas song Rauhaa, vain rauhaa (Peace, Perfect Peace) which has been arranged for orchestra. Fennica Gehrman also publishes his popular pieces for string orchestra such as Five Nordic Melodies, Cantate cantica socii (Three Melodies from Piae Cantiones from 1582), Koska valaissee kointähtönen (When Does the Morning Star Light up) and Juvenalia for cello and strings Op. 65. His orchestral songs include Liai’s Aria from the opera Merenkuninkaan tytär (The Daughter of Neptune).

[composer nimi=’Sonninen, Ahti‘]
Ahti Sonninen (arr. Kuikka): Preludio festivo for wind band (PDF)
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Ahti Sonninen: Works for string orchestra
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