Aattoilta

by Matthew Whittall

Christmas Eve

for mixed choir

Description

Asked to contribute a carol to the already rich Finnish Christmas
repertoire, music I’ve sung myself for many years, I was very aware of
the things that mark the season for my adopted countrymen: peace,
stillness, the cold landscape and home. When I came across Ester
Ahokainen’s gentle poem, so focused around these images, it seemed like
providence. The resulting song is modest and warmly modal, departing
only a little from Finnish tradition: a lingering dissonance here, a
moment of quiet sentiment held slightly longer than expected there. Like
the words, the music opens outward in thanks at the end.

Instrumentation

chx

Category

Vocal and Choral Works

Language

Fi

Lyricist

Ester Ahokainen

Commisioned by / dedications

Composed for and dedicated to the Helsinki Chamber Choir

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