Einojuhani Rautavaara's "Sammon Ryosto" is a captivating exploration of Finnish mythology, presented in a unique blend of neoclassical, avant-garde, and operatic styles. Released in 1995 under the Ondine label, this 53-minute album is a testament to Rautavaara's innovative compositional prowess, offering a rich and immersive experience for both classical music enthusiasts and those drawn to more experimental sounds.
The album is structured as a musical narrative, centered around the legendary tale of the Sampo, a magical artifact from Finnish folklore. Each track unfolds a different chapter of this epic story, with Rautavaara employing a diverse range of vocal and instrumental elements to bring the myth to life. The piece is scored for a large orchestra, male chorus, and several soloists, including the characters of Ilmarinen, Lemminkainen, Vainamoinen, and the Mistress of Pohjola.
Rautavaara's compositional style is both intricate and evocative, with a keen ear for dramatic tension and lyrical beauty. The album's avant-garde elements are seamlessly integrated with more traditional classical structures, creating a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly innovative. The male chorus plays a significant role throughout, providing a powerful and haunting backdrop to the soloists' performances.
"Sammon Ryosto" is not just a retelling of a mythological tale; it is a deeply atmospheric and emotionally resonant work that showcases Rautavaara's ability to blend storytelling with musical innovation. Whether you're a fan of classical music, opera, or avant-garde compositions, this album offers a compelling and rewarding listening experience.
Tracks
Sammon ryosto (the Rape of the Sampo): Prologue: Olipa kerran taalla meren aika, kaupan aika, aseiden ja ryoston aikaEinojuhani Rautavaara, Tom Nyman, Sauli Tiilikainen, Antti Suhonen, Pasi Hyökki, YL Male Voice Choir, Matti Hyokki
Sammon ryosto (the Rape of the Sampo): Vaka vanha Vainamoinen, tietaja ianikuinen [the Men]Einojuhani Rautavaara, Tom Nyman, Sauli Tiilikainen, Antti Suhonen, Pasi Hyökki, YL Male Voice Choir, Matti Hyokki
Sammon ryosto (the Rape of the Sampo): Laskea karahtelevi: Laski halki lainehien [the Men, Voices of Pohjola]Einojuhani Rautavaara, Tom Nyman, Sauli Tiilikainen, Antti Suhonen, Pasi Hyökki, YL Male Voice Choir, Matti Hyokki
Sammon ryosto (the Rape of the Sampo): Sampo! Sampo! Sampo! Saimme Sampuen jaolle [Ilmarinen, Voices of Pohjola, Lemminkainen, Vainamonen]Einojuhani Rautavaara, Tom Nyman, Sauli Tiilikainen, Antti Suhonen, Pasi Hyökki, YL Male Voice Choir, Matti Hyokki
Sammon ryosto (the Rape of the Sampo): Kutsun Pohjolan kokohon! [Voice of Louhi, Mistress of Pohjola, Lemminkainen, Vainamonen, Ilmarinen]Einojuhani Rautavaara, Tom Nyman, Sauli Tiilikainen, Antti Suhonen, Pasi Hyökki, YL Male Voice Choir, Matti Hyokki
Sammon ryosto (the Rape of the Sampo): Adoration of SampoEinojuhani Rautavaara, Tom Nyman, Sauli Tiilikainen, Antti Suhonen, Pasi Hyökki, YL Male Voice Choir, Matti Hyokki
Sammon ryosto (the Rape of the Sampo): Oi sie lieto Lemmin poika, ylimmainen ystavani! [Vainamoinen, Lemminkainen, the Men, Ilmarinen]Einojuhani Rautavaara, Tom Nyman, Sauli Tiilikainen, Antti Suhonen, Pasi Hyökki, YL Male Voice Choir, Matti Hyokki
Sammon ryosto (the Rape of the Sampo): Hyv' on harka Pohjolassa, jok' on vahva vartalolta [Ilmarinen, the Men]Einojuhani Rautavaara, Tom Nyman, Sauli Tiilikainen, Antti Suhonen, Pasi Hyökki, YL Male Voice Choir, Matti Hyokki
Sammon ryosto (the Rape of the Sampo): Minne Sampo saatetahan, kunneka kuletetahan nailta paikoilta pahoilta [Ilmarinen, Vainamoinen]Einojuhani Rautavaara, Tom Nyman, Sauli Tiilikainen, Antti Suhonen, Pasi Hyökki, YL Male Voice Choir, Matti Hyokki
Sammon ryosto (the Rape of the Sampo): Miks' et laula, Vainamoinen? [Lemminkainen, Vainamoinen, the Men, Ilmarinen]Einojuhani Rautavaara, Tom Nyman, Sauli Tiilikainen, Antti Suhonen, Pasi Hyökki, YL Male Voice Choir, Matti Hyokki
Sammon ryosto (the Rape of the Sampo): Oi sie lieto Lemminkainen, ylimmainen ystavani! [Vainamoinen, Lemminkainen, the Men, Ilmarinen]Einojuhani Rautavaara, Tom Nyman, Sauli Tiilikainen, Antti Suhonen, Pasi Hyökki, YL Male Voice Choir, Matti Hyokki
Sammon ryosto (the Rape of the Sampo): Vaakalintu! Vaakalintu! Vaakalintu! [the Men, Ilmarinen, Vainamoinen, Lemminkainen, Voice of Louhi, Mistress of Pohjola]Einojuhani Rautavaara, Tom Nyman, Sauli Tiilikainen, Antti Suhonen, Pasi Hyökki, YL Male Voice Choir, Matti Hyokki
Sammon ryosto (the Rape of the Sampo): Epilogue. Paluu on menemisen hinta, maksat kaiken [the Men]Einojuhani Rautavaara, Tom Nyman, Sauli Tiilikainen, Antti Suhonen, Pasi Hyökki, YL Male Voice Choir, Matti Hyokki
Sammon ryosto (the Rape of the Sampo): Anna Ukko, suo Jumala, kaa'a maalliset katehet, ve'elliset velhot voita! [the Men]Einojuhani Rautavaara, Tom Nyman, Sauli Tiilikainen, Antti Suhonen, Pasi Hyökki, YL Male Voice Choir, Matti Hyokki
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