Wessman Harri
Wessman Harri
Wessman, Harri (Kristian), Finnish composer; b. Helsinki, March 29,1949. He learned to play the cello and double bass in his youth. He took courses in musicology and languages at the Univ. of Helsinki (1967-73) and also studied composition privately with Kokkonen, continuing under his tutelage at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki (1973-78). His works are lyrical and melodic.
Works
dramatic: Onnen arvoitus (The Riddle of Happiness), play for Children’s Chorus, Recorder, and Percussion (1986); Päivikki, ballet (1987). ORCH.: Serenade for Trumpet and Strings (1976); Sarja jousiorkesterille musiikista Eha Lät-temäen runoïhin (Suite for String Orch. from the Music to Poems by Eha Lättemäe; 1978); Prinsessa joka nukkui sata vuotta (The Princess Who Slept a Hundred Years) for Trumpet or Soprano and String Orch. (1981); 2 piano concertinos (1982, 1987); Loitsunpuhallus for Wind Orch. (1984); Koraalialkusoitto (Choral Overture; 1984); Serenade for Piano and Strings (1985); Tango tan-tan-tan (1985); Väinämöinen (1985); Trumpet Concerto (1987); Adagio and Andante for Strings (1988); Parodioita Parodies for Strings (1988); Larghetto Espressivo for Strings (1990). CHAMBER: Musiikkia uruille (Music for Organ; 1977); Violin Sonata (1978); 2nd Cello Sonata (1979); Syksyn sa’vyinen fantasia (Autumnal Fantasia) for Cello and Piano (1980); 2 intermezzi for Piano (1980, 1981); Trio for Accordion, Flute, and Guitar (1981); Je chante la beauté de la solitude for Accordion (1982); Prelude and Sicilienne for Violin, Cello, and Piano (1983); Piano Quartet (1985); Es sangen drei Engel for Oboe and Organ (1986); Accordion Sonata (1986); 2 suites for 2 Violins (1986, 1988); Teema ja muunnelmia vaskiyhtyeelle (Theme and Variations for Brass Ensemble; 1986-87); Dialogos, 25 pieces for Flute and Piano (1988); Sonata for Solo Violin (1988); Horn Sonata (1989); Capriccio for Wind Nonet (1990). VOCAL: Lauluja tuimista linnuista for Chorus and Piano (1977); Kolme laulua V.A. Koskenniemen runoihin (3 Songs to Poems by V.A. Koskenniemi) for Chorus (1979); Kaksi laulua sekakuorolle Marianna Kalliolan runoihin (2 Songs for Mixed Chorus to Poems by Marianna Kalliola; 1980); Vaggvisa, Det viner pafja’llen for Children’s Chorus (1982); Nelja laulua Lauri Pohjanpään runoihin (4 Songs to Poems by Lauri Pohjanpää) for Children’s Chorus (1983); Ligg ej och dra dig! for Men’s Chorus (1984); Det blir kyligt for Men’s Chorus (1985); Ljusa vindar (Light Winds), cantata for Children’s Chorus and Instrumental Ensemble (1989).
—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire