Väinö Auer was a Finnish composer, conductor, and music educator who was born in 1882 and died in 1971. He is considered one of the most influential figures in Finnish music history and is credited with helping to shape the modern Finnish musical identity.
Auer was born in the small town of Viipuri, Finland, and began his musical studies at the age of seven. He studied piano and composition at the Helsinki Conservatory, where he was a student of Jean Sibelius. After graduating in 1906, Auer went on to teach at the conservatory and eventually became its director in 1921. During this time, he also conducted the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and the Helsinki Opera.
Auer was a prolific composer, writing over 200 works in a variety of genres. His works include symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and vocal works. He was particularly known for his choral works, which often featured traditional Finnish folk songs. He also wrote several operas, including the popular “Kullervo”, which was based on the Finnish epic poem “Kalevala”.
Auer was a major proponent of Finnish nationalism and sought to promote Finnish music and culture. He was a strong advocate for the use of Finnish folk music in classical compositions and was a major influence on the development of the Finnish national style. He was also a major supporter of the Finnish language, and his works often featured Finnish lyrics.
Auer was also a major figure in the development of Finnish music education. He was a founding member of the Finnish Music Education Association and was instrumental in the establishment of the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. He also wrote several books on music theory and pedagogy, which are still used in Finnish music education today.
Auer’s influence on Finnish music is still felt today. His works are still performed regularly, and his legacy is celebrated in Finland. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in Finnish music history and is credited with helping to shape the modern Finnish musical identity.