After he completes an opera, Sallinen sometimes composes a short work as a kind of afterthought. This lyrical and gentle work (about seven minutes long) is such a composition, following the completion of his opera "Kullervo." It is a straightforward tone picture of a sunrise, progressing from a wistful nocturnal mood to a bright and joyous one. Throughout the two trumpets are used spatially and antiphonally: One of them is at some distance from the orchestra and responds with quieter echoes of the on-stage trumpets phrases. The piano mostly adds a firm, crystal texture to the softer-edged sound of the string orchestra. It is an exceptionally attractive work; its harmonic idiom is tonal and melodic throughout.

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