Works
Chamber music
Lighthouse (2025)
In memoriam Kaija Saariaho
violoncello and piano
6'
Publisher: Edition Wilhelm Hansen
The Lighthouse begins with a cello flashback to the cello concerto Notes on Light (2006) by Kaija Saariaho that had been premiered by Anssi Karttunen himself with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in February 2007. Organ registers ripple from one to another and the mood grows ever more restless, stormy…
The artistic vision of Kaija Saariaho shone brighter and brighter upon the audience. Her voice was distinctly recognisable and enveloped a rich, enchanting world. Kaija herself was a veritable role model and source of inspiration for a whole generation of younger composers. It was Kaija who showed me the way like a lighthouse. The work ends with a beautiful vista veiled in misty light. It is dedicated to the memory of Kaija, and to Anssi Karttunen and Olivier Latry, two faithful interpreters of her music. The Lighthouse was commissioned by the Creative Dialogue ry.
Premiere: November 10, 2025
Helsinki Music Centre, Helsinki, Finland
Anssi Karttunen, violoncello and Olivier Latry, organ