The second symphony of Erkki Aaltonen, completed in 1949, bears the title Hiroshima, reflecting the composer's interest in topical themes during his career. This Finnish musician balanced his output as a composer, conductor, and violinist throughout a professional life that spanned the majority of the twentieth century, bridging the period between his training and his death in 1990.
Early Training and Musical Development
Born in Hämeenlinna in 1910, Aaltonen received his foundational education at the Sibelius Academy, then known as the Helsinki Conservatory. Beyond his institutional studies, he pursued composition through private instruction under the guidance of Väinö Raitio and Selim Palmgren. These formative years established his technical proficiency in both the violin and the broader mechanics of musical structure.
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Aaltonen produced a diverse catalog of works ranging from symphonies to sonatas. His symphonic cycle began with a first symphony in 1947, followed by the Hiroshima symphony in 1949 and a third symphony titled Popular in 1952. Later major contributions included his fourth symphony in 1959 and the fifth, subtitled Hämeenlinna rhapsody, in 1964. He also demonstrated a focus on specific instruments, evidenced by two piano concertos composed in 1948 and 1954, as well as an Oboe Sonata from 1945 and a Violin Concerto dating to 1966. His chamber music library includes five string quartets and a Preludi ja allegro for viola and piano, completed late in his career in 1983.
Administrative and Professional Career
In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Aaltonen engaged in music education administration. From 1966 to 1973, he served as the director of the Kemi Music Institute. This role allowed him to shape musical instruction during a period when the recording industry was fundamentally altering the nature of performance, ensuring that musical scores and compositions achieved a level of durability beyond the immediate experience of a live concert.
Fast facts
- Born: 1910, Hämeenlinna, Finland
- Died: 1990, Helsinki, Finland
- Primary Occupations: Composer, conductor, violinist
- Education: Sibelius Academy
- Symphony No. 2 title: Hiroshima
- Director tenure: Kemi Music Institute (1966–1973)
Questions readers ask
Where did Erkki Aaltonen receive his musical training?
He studied at the Sibelius Academy and received private composition instruction from Väinö Raitio and Selim Palmgren.
Which major administrative position did Aaltonen hold?
He served as the director of the Kemi Music Institute from 1966 until 1973.
Achievements
- Instruments: violin and viola
- Genres: classical music