The relationship between Russian icons and Rautavaara's Ikonit Op. 6

Abstract

This study locates and describes the programmatic meanings in Rautavaara s piano suite, Ikonit, Op. 6. It makes use of an interdisciplinary paradigm that borrows perspectives gathered from the new musicology . The various contexts that inform this analysis and interpretation include the composer s biography and style, the Russian Orthodox tradition of iconography and the compositional structure of Ikonit. The study constructs a biographically and culturally sensitive interpretation of the suite, which can contribute to better-informed performances and readings of the music. It contributes to English language scholarship on Rautavaara s music.