Élégie

Lauri Mäntysaari's solo accordion work Élégie (2020-2021) was forming into a serene, melancholic passacaglia, when the devastating news shocked the world: the iconic church of Notre-Dame was on fire. The composer decided to reform the plan for his work, going through purgatory towards a distant reminiscence of the earliest example of European musical polyhphony, first hear in Notre-Dame over 900 years ago: Vidrunt omnes by Perotin.

Lauri Mäntysaari (b. 1982 Helsinki) is known for his wide variety of composing for different media. His output consists of orchestral works, music for instrumental ensemble, solo works, songs and choir music. His works have been performed widely in Finland, but also in eg. Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Austria and Canada. Mäntysaari's works have recently gained success in international competitions in Italy and The Netherlands.