Paavo Heininen

Composer and pianist Paavo Heininen was notable for his lifelong commitment to modernist styles, not moving toward more accessible musical languages later in life like many of his contemporaries. Sometimes referred to as the "Grand Old Man" of Finnish modernism, Heininen was an influential educator who taught several prominent Finnish composers of the 21st century. From the beginning, he followed the 12-tone procedure pioneered by Arnold Schoenberg. Heininen wrote works in most traditional genres, mostly for conventional instruments, but he also experimented with electroacoustic music and jazz. In general, his music used 12-tone and serial procedures. Heininen was a writer of many essays on individual composers and a pianist who premiered many of his own works. He remained active almost until the end of his life; his Symphony No. 8 appeared in 2021. Heininen died at his home in Järvenpää, Finland, on January 18, 2022.