Photo: Soppakanuuna · CC BY-SA 3.0 · credits
Tier 3 · vertical & regionalfull biography
Aulis Sallinen
Person · male · Finland · Salmi · born 1935 · recording since 1985
Finnish composer
streamingdatabasedatabasedatabasedatabase
Listen on SpotifyYouTube Music
Also known as Aulis Heikki Sallinen · 奥利斯·萨利宁
Timeline
30 events▣ Album 24✦ Award 4◦ Birth 1★ Debut release 1
1930s
1980s
· Debut release
Debut release: Symphony no. 4 / Cello Concerto / Shadows
First documented Album in the MusicBrainz discography.
source: musicbrainz
· Album
Album: Washington Mosaics / Chamber Music III / Sonata for Solo Cello
Album
source: musicbrainz
1990s
· Album
Album: Variations for Orchestra / Violin Concerto / Some Aspects of Peltoniemi Hintrik's Funeral March / The Nocturnal Dances of Don Juanquixote
Album
source: musicbrainz
· Album
Album: Sunrise Serenade / Symphony no. 2 / Symphony no. 6 "From a New Zealand Diary"
Album
source: musicbrainz
· Album
Album: Symphony no. 4, op. 49 / Shadows, op. 52 / Symphony no. 5, op. 57 "Washington Mosaics"
Album
source: musicbrainz
2000s
2010s
· Album
Album: Piano Trio, op. 96 / Cello Sonata, op. 86 / From a Swan Song, op. 67
Album
source: musicbrainz
2020s
Biography
English biography1,374 words · 11 sectionssource: wikipedia-en · licence CC BY-SA 4.0 · revision 1372574491
Biography
Aulis Heikki Sallinen (born 9 April 1935) is a Finnish contemporary classical music composer. His music has been variously described as "remorselessly harsh", a "beautifully crafted amalgam of several 20th-century styles", and "neo-romantic". Sallinen studied at the Sibelius Academy, where his teachers included Joonas Kokkonen. He has had works commissioned by the Kronos Quartet, and has also written seven operas, eight symphonies, concertos for violin, cello, flute, horn, and English horn, as well as several chamber works. He won the Nordic Council Music Prize in 1978 for his opera Ratsumies (The Horseman).
Childhood and studies
Sallinen was born in Salmi. During his childhood the family moved several times for his father's work, and during the Evacuation of Finnish Karelia in 1944 the family relocated to Uusikaupunki, where he went to school.
His first instruments were the violin and the piano. He learned to play both jazz and classical music. He spent much time during his teenage years improvising. After a while, he began writing his ideas down on paper and began serious composition. He attended the Sibelius Academy of Music and studied with a number of teachers such as Aarre Merikanto and Joonas Kokkonen.
Early career and operas
After graduating, Sallinen took a position as composition teacher at the Sibelius Academy and continued composing. Among his pupils were Jouni Kaipainen and the Austrian-born Finnish composer Herman Rechberger.
Sallinen was appointed as the general manager of the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra in 1960 and held the position until 1969. He was the chairman of the board of the Society of Finnish Composers between 1971 and 1974. Though he was a known teacher and was on many boards of directors, his compositions were not particularly noted until 1976, when he was made "Artist Professor" by the Finnish government, allowing him to concentrate on composing.
Sallinen's first opera, Ratsumies, known in English as The Horseman, premiered at the Savonlinna Opera Festival in 1975. His second opera, Punainen viiva (The Red Line), was commissioned by the Finnish National Opera. Sallinen's next opera, Kuningas lähtee Ranskaan (The King Goes Forth to France), was a joint commission by Covent Garden and the Finnish National Opera.
Later life
After he received his lifelong "artist professorship", Sallinen devoted most of his time to composing. He has received a number of commissions and has composed eight symphonies, including one using material from a proposed ballet based on The Lord of the Rings and containing two mediaeval Finnish tunes from the Piae Cantiones. He has written seven operas and also composed the title track of the Kronos Quartet's album Winter Was Hard.
Career highlights
1960 – awarded diploma from the Sibelius Academy
1960–1970 – was administrator of the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
1978 – awarded the Nordic Council Music Prize for The Horseman
1981 – became the first person to be made a professor of Arts for life by the Finnish Government, enabling him to concentrate on composing full-time
1983 – awarded the Wihuri Sibelius Prize
2004 – released the first in a series of recordings of complete orchestral music on the CPO label
Operas
The Horseman, Op. 32 (1974, Finnish: Ratsumies; Swedish: Ryttaren)
The Red Line, Op. 46 (1978)
The King Goes Forth to France, Op. 53 (1983, Finnish: Kuningas lähtee Ranskaan)
Kullervo, Op. 61 (1988)
The Palace, Op. 68 (1991–1993, Finnish: Palatsi)
King Lear, Op. 76 (1999)
Symphonies
Symphony No. 1, Op. 24 (1970–71)
Symphony No. 2, Symphonic Dialogue, for percussionist and orchestra, Op. 29 (1972)
Symphony No. 3, Op. 35 (1974–75)
Symphony No. 4, Op. 49 (1978–79)
Symphony No. 5, Washington Mosaics, Op. 57 (1984–85, r. 1987)
Symphony No. 6, From a New Zealand Diary, Op. 65 (1989–90)
Symphony No. 7, The Dreams of Gandalf, Op. 71 (1996)
Symphony No. 8, Autumnal Fragments, Op. 81 (2001)
Orchestral
Two Mythical Scenes, Op. 1 (1956)
Variations for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 5 (1961–62)
Mauermusik, Op. 7 (1963)
Variations for Orchestra, Op. 8 (1963)
Chorali for wind orchestra, Op. 22 (1970)
Chamber Music I, for string orchestra, Op. 38 (1975)
Chamber Music II, for alto flute and string orchestra Op. 41 (1976)
Dies Irae, for soprano, bass, male choir and orchestra, Op. 47 (1978)
Shadows, prelude for orchestra, Op. 52 (1982)
Chamber Music III, The Nocturnal Dances of Don Juanquixote, for cello and string orchestra, Op. 58 (1985–86)
Sunrise Serenade, Op. 63 (1989)
Songs of Life and Death, for baritone, choir and orchestra, Op. 69 (1995)
Palace Rhapsody for wind orchestra, Op. 72 (1996)
Introduction and Tango Overture, for piano and string orchestra, Op. 74b (1997)
A Solemn Overture (King Lear), Op. 75 (1997)
Chamber Music IV, Metamorphoses of Elegy for Sebastian Knight, for piano and string orchestra, Op. 79 (2000)
Chamber Music V, Barabbas Variations, for accordion (or piano) and string orchestra, Op. 80 (2000)
Chamber Music VI, 3 invitations au voyage, for string quartet and string orchestra, Op. 88 (2006)
Chamber Music VII, Cruseliana, for wind quintet and string orchestra, Op. 93 (2007)
Chamber Music VIII, The Trees, All Their Green (Paavo Haavikko in memoriam), for cello and string orchestra, Op. 94 (2008)
Chamber Music X, for violin, harp and string orchestra, Op. 114 (2018)
From the shadows of old songs (Rhapsody for Orchestra), Op. 121b (2023–24)
Chamber Music XI, for piano and string orchestra, Op. 128 (2026)
Concertos
Violin Concerto, Op. 18 (1968)
Cello Concerto, Op. 44 (1977)
Flute Concerto, Harlequin, Op. 70 (1995)
Horn Concerto, Campane ed Arie, Op. 82 (2002)
Chamber Concerto, for violin, piano, and string orchestra, Op. 87 (2005)
Concerto for Clarinet, Viola, and Chamber Orchestra, Op. 91 (2007) (also for clarinet, cello, and chamber orchestra, Op. 91a)
English Horn Concerto, Op. 97 (2010–11)
Concerto for two accordions, string orchestra and percussion, Op. 115 (2018-19)
Fasakura for bassoon and small orchestra, Op. 124 (2025)
Chamber music
String Quartet No. 1, Op. 2 (1958)
String Quartet No. 2 Canzona, Op. 4 (1960)
Serenade for two wind quartets, Op. 9 (1963)
Quattro per quattro, Op. 12 (1965)
String Quartet No. 3 Some Aspects of Peltoniemi Hintrik's Funeral March, Op. 19 (1969)
Four Etudes for violin & piano, Op.21 (1970)
String Quartet No. 4 Quiet Songs, Op. 25 (1971)
Sonata for Solo Cello, Op. 26 (1971)
Metamorphora, for cello & piano, Op. 34 (1974)
String Quartet No. 5 Pieces of Mosaic, Op. 54 (1983)
From a Swan Song, for cello & piano, Op. 67 (1991)
Barabbus Dialogues, for vocalists, narrator & chamber ensemble, Op. 84 (2003/2023)
Piano Quintet ...des morceaux oublies, Op. 85 (2004)
Cello Sonata, Op. 86 (2004)
Windy Winter in Provence for Tenor, Piano, Violin & Guitar, Op. 89 (2006)
Mistral Music for Solo Flute, Op. 90 (2005) (also for flute & string quartet, Op. 90a)
Piano Quintet No. 2 Three Kullervo Elegies, Op. 92 (2006)
Preludes and Fugues for Solo Accordion, Op. 95 (2009)
Piano Trio Les Visions Fugitives, Op. 96 (2010)
"Die Virtuose Tafelmusik von Don Juanquijote" for Accordion & Cello, Op. 98 (2011)
"...memories, memories..." for Children's Choir, Piano & Strings, Op. 99 (2011)
Five Portraits of Women for Soprano, Horn & Chamber Orchestra, Op. 100 (2012)
Baumgesang mit Epilog for Cello & Piano, Op. 101 (2013)
Three Adagios for Organ, Op. 102 (2013)
String Quartet No. 6, Op. 103 (2014)
Variazioni per organo, Op. 104 (2014)
Canti per Vallis Gratiae for Piano & Organ, Op. 105 (2014)
8 Miniatures for Piano, Op. 110 (2017)
Sonata per quattro violoncelli, Op. 116 (2019)
Nine fragments for Barabbas Septetto, Op. 118 (2021–22)
Duo per due for violin and cello (2023)
Ritorno for Organ, Op. 122 (2024)
String Quartet No. 7 Abschied, Op. 125 (2025)
Vocal and choral
Suita grammaticale, for children's choir and orchestra (1971)
Songs from the Sea, Op. 33 for unaccompanied children's choir, based on Finnish folk songs and a poem by the composer's two sons
Dies Irae, for soprano, bass, male choir and orchestra, Op. 47 (1978)
Song Around a Song, Op. 50 (1980) – Four folk songs in Italian, Japanese, Finnish, and English for unaccompanied children's choir
The Iron Age Suite, Op. 55, arranged from music for Finnish TV series based on the Kalevala
The Beaufort Scale, Op. 56 (1984), humoresque for unaccompanied choir, based on the wind velocity scale
Linna vedessä (The Castle in the Water), Op. 106 (2014–16), a chronicle for a narrator, four singers and a chamber orchestra
Chamber Music IX, Nocturne, Op. 112 (2017), for voice and string orchestra
Discography & profile
Normalised profile
Percentiles are computed over every artist in the database, so a tier-3 artist can still sit in the 95th percentile on a single axis.
| Metric | Value | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Wikipedia language versions | 18 | 78.1th |
| Spotify monthly listeners | — | no data |
| Release groups in DB | 27 | 89.5th |
| Studio albums | 24 | 97.3th |
| Awards recorded | 6 | 97.7th |
| Timeline events | 30 | 96.8th |
| Recording span (years) | 39 | 79.2th |
| Genres | 8 | 94.5th |
Percentiles are computed at render time; missing values mean the artist has no data on that axis.
Discography (27 release groups · 24 studio albums)
Albums · 24
Symphony no. 4 / Cello Concerto / Shadows
1985 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 6 tracks · 1:00:14
1Shadows, op. 5210:052Cello Concerto, op. 44: I. Il modo variabile - Quasi marcia funebre19:543Cello Concerto, op. 44: II. Allegro - Presto - Prestissimo5:244Symphony no. 4, op. 49: I. Andante poco giocoso6:595Symphony no. 4, op. 49: II. "Dona nobis pacem"7:346Symphony no. 4, op. 49: III. Finale10:18Washington Mosaics / Chamber Music III / Sonata for Solo Cello
1989 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 8 tracks · 1:10:04
1Symphony no. 5, op. 57 "Washington Mosaics": Washington Mosaics I12:462Symphony no. 5, op. 57 "Washington Mosaics": Intermezzo I5:173Symphony no. 5, op. 57 "Washington Mosaics": Intermezzo II4:364Symphony no. 5, op. 57 "Washington Mosaics": Intermezzo III6:255Symphony no. 5, op. 57 "Washington Mosaics": Washington Mosaics II8:016Chamber Music III, op. 58 "The Nocturnal Dances of Don Juanquixote"19:107Sonata for Solo Cello, op. 26: Part I7:118Sonata for Solo Cello, op. 26: Part II6:381990 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 20 tracks · 1:55:46
Disc 11The Red Line, Act I: Minä sen vielä tapan!7:082The Red Line, Act I: Voi tätä elämää!3:433The Red Line, Act I: Taas sinä kerrot minulle8:004The Red Line, Act I: Onko sillä Topias Topiaksenpojalla jotain asiaa2:535The Red Line, Act I: Ei! Hyvä Jumala, ei!1:206The Red Line, Act I: Pahasti tein, kun sanoin8:097The Red Line, Act I: Terve talohon!8:048The Red Line, Act I: Vestmanviiki tietä ratsasti2:449The Red Line, Act I: Sinä se vain kuljet talosta taloon4:0510The Red Line, Act I: No annahan kun kerron7:13Disc 21The Red Line, Act I: Aateveljet! Aatesisaret!12:472The Red Line, Act I: Surkea, surkea on sorretun elämä7:113The Red Line, Act II: Sosialismi ei salli yhdelle8:274The Red Line, Act II: Piirretään! Hyvähän se on sanoa3:035The Red Line, Act II: Kuunnelkaa! kuuletteko?2:266The Red Line, Act II: Onko Suomessa kevät?5:167The Red Line, Act II: On tämä juhlallinen päivä4:228The Red Line, Act II: Tuiskuaa lunta7:179The Red Line, Act II: Iita Linta Maria!8:1010The Red Line, Act II: Uutisia Helsingistä3:281990 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 11 tracks · 1:09:06
1Kamarimusiikki I, op. 3812:542Kamarimusiikki II, op. 4112:243Quattro per quattro, op. 1217:134Chaconne6:155Vintern var hård1:306Sakura1:267Neljä laulua unesta: I. Unesta tehty mies2:308Neljä laulua unesta: II. Kehtolaulu kuolleelle ratsumiehille2:479Neljä laulua unesta: III. On kolme unta sisäkkäin4:0110Neljä laulua unesta: IV. Ei mikään virta3:4511Simppeli Simme ja hamppari Hamme4:211991 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 24 tracks
Disc 11The Horseman: Act I: Prologue2The Horseman: Act I: Scene 1. Merchant and Anna3The Horseman: Act I: Scene 1. Merchant's Monologue4The Horseman: Act I: Scene 2. The Horseman and Merchant's Wife5The Horseman: Act I: Scene 3. Merchant's Advise6The Horseman: Act I: Scene 3. The Horseman's Foretelling7The Horseman: Act I: Scene 3. Merchant's Foretelling8The Horseman: Act I: Scene 4. Flight9The Horseman: Act II: Scene 1. The Court Room10The Horseman: Act II: Scene 2. Dispute Over the Ownership of the Horse11The Horseman: Act II: Scene 3. Anna and the Judge12The Horseman: Act II: Scene 3. Anna's Monologue13The Horseman: Act II: Scene 4. Judge and PeasantsDisc 21The Horseman: Act II: Scene 5. Entry of the Horseman2The Horseman: Act II: Scene 5. Woman's Monologue3The Horseman: Act II: Scene 6. Dungeon4The Horseman: Act III: Scene 1a. Yeoman, Women and Matti5The Horseman: Act III: Scene 1b. Matti6The Horseman: Act III: Scene 2. Entry of the People7The Horseman: Act III: Scene 3. Anna and the Horseman8The Horseman: Act III: Scene 4. Yeomen and Men9The Horseman: Act III: Scene 5a. Attempt to Invasion10The Horseman: Act III: Scene 5b. Attempt to Invasion11The Horseman: Act III: Scene 6. Anna's Cradle Song1992 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 6 tracks · 1:03:18
1Variations for Orchestra, op. 8 (14 juventas variaatiota)11:092Violin Concerto, op. 18: I. Andante sostenuto8:483Violin Concerto, op. 18: II. Larghetto5:064Violin Concerto, op. 18: III. Allegro giocoso4:065Some Aspects of Peltoniemi Hintrik's Funeral March, op. 19 (String Quartet no. 3)13:156The Nocturnal Dances of Don Juanquixote (Chamber Music III), op. 5820:541992 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 25 tracks · 2:36:33
Disc 11Kullervo: Introduction. Chorus "Untamoinen verkot laski"7:272Kullervo: Act I, Scene I. "Mikä hätänä? Mikä painaa? Taas." (Unto's Wife, Unto)5:063Kullervo: Act I, Scene I. Chorus "Pienenä jäi isostansa, matalana maammostansa"1:474Kullervo: Act I, Scene I. "Jos olisivat kaikki puut yksi puu" (Kullervo, Kimmo)6:035Kullervo: Act I, Scene I. Chorus "Ellöspä hyvä Jumala"1:436Kullervo: Act I, Scene I. "Kullervo! Hän minut siinä unessa tappoi!" (Unto, Unto's Wife, Kullervo)3:247Kullervo: Act I, Scene I. Chorus "Möi siitä Kalervon pojan Ilmariselle sepälle"2:358Kullervo: Act I, Scene II. "Minä tahdon lla tuoksuvaja lämmin kuin nuori leipä" (Smith's Young Wife)3:069Kullervo: Act I, Scene II. "Oi terve, sepän kaunis puoliso!" (Hunter, Smith's Young Wife)8:0310Kullervo: Act I, Scene II. "Minä tulin sinun luoksesi yöllä" (Kullervo, Smith's Young Wife, Chorus)14:12Disc 21Kullervo: Entr'acte. "Oli kerran mies, jonka hänen veljensä tosissaan yritti tappaa" (Kalervo, Kimmo, Mother)7:552Kullervo: Act I, Scene III. "Kenen talo tämä on?" (Kullervo, Kalervo, Sister, Mother, Kimmo)14:273Kullervo: Act I, Scene III. "Kullervo, älä mene!" (Mother, Kalervo, Kimmo, Kullervo, Chorus)8:554Kullervo: Act II, Scene IV. "Nämä ovat pitkiä loputtomia päiviä isäni talossa" (Kullervo, Kimmo, Kalervo's voice)4:325Kullervo: Act II, Scene IV. "Ajaa poika maailman turuilla" (Blind Singer)8:276Kullervo: Act II, Scene IV. Interlude3:447Kullervo: Act II, Scene V. "Häntä vaivaa joku" (Mother, Kullervo, Kalervo, Sister)5:348Kullervo: Act II, Scene V. "Tapasin hänet metsässä" (Kullervo, Mother, Sister, Kalervo)5:209Kullervo: Act II, Scene V. "Itketkö, isä, minua kun kuulet kuolleheksi?" (Kullervo, Kalervo, Sister)2:2110Kullervo: Act II, Scene V. "Itkenkö minä sinua?" (Mother)5:26Disc 31Kullervo: Act II, Scene VI. "Ensin otetaan talosta rahat. Sitten viedään viinat. Ja naidaan naiset" (Tiera, 1st Man, 2nd Man, Kullervo, Hunter, Kimmo, Chorus)11:172Kullervo: Act II, Scene VI. Chorus "Kullervo, Kalervon poika, saip´on miekan mielehisen"3:253Kullervo: Act II, Scene VI. "Se on ohi" (Tiera, 1st Man, 2nd Man, Hunter)6:464Kullervo: Act II, Scene VI. "Tuli on kohta palanut loppuun" (Kullervo)3:525Kullervo: Epilogue "Klo-klo-klo-po-ti-klop! Juokse, hevonen" (Kimmo, Kalervo, Mother's voice, Chorus)11:06Sunrise Serenade / Symphony no. 2 / Symphony no. 6 "From a New Zealand Diary"
1992 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 6 tracks · 1:05:57
1Sunrise Serenade, op. 637:442Symphony no. 2, op. 2915:353Symphony no. 6, op. 65: I. The Islands of the Sounds. The Sounds of the Island.12:034Symphony no. 6, op. 65: II. Air. Rain.8:055Symphony no. 6, op. 65: III. Kyeburn Diggins11:106Symphony no. 6, op. 65: IV. Finale. "Simply by Sailing in a New Direction You Could Enlarge Your World"11:20Symphony no. 4, op. 49 / Shadows, op. 52 / Symphony no. 5, op. 57 "Washington Mosaics"
1994 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 9 tracks · 1:14:24
1Symphony no. 4, op. 49: I. Andante poco giocoso6:362Symphony no. 4, op. 49: II. “Dona nobis pacem” (attacca)7:403Symphony no. 4, op. 49: III. Finale9:534Shadows, op. 52 (Prelude for Orchestra)10:075Symphony no. 5, op. 57 “Washington Mosaics”: I. Washington Mosaics I13:516Symphony no. 5, op. 57 “Washington Mosaics”: II. Intermezzo I5:337Symphony no. 5, op. 57 “Washington Mosaics”: III. Intermezzo II5:138Symphony no. 5, op. 57 “Washington Mosaics”: IV. Intermezzo III (attacca)7:029Symphony no. 5, op. 57 “Washington Mosaics”: V. Washington Mosaics II8:29Songs of Life and Death / The Iron Age Suite
1995 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 15 tracks · 1:15:26
1Songs of Life and Death, op. 69: I. Like Floodwaters the Days of My Life3:082Songs of Life and Death, op. 69: II. We Wander Here5:393Songs of Life and Death, op. 69: III. I, Unborn5:084Songs of Life and Death, op. 69: IV. Tuba mirum7:575Songs of Life and Death, op. 69: V. I Can Think You Departed6:466Songs of Life and Death, op. 69: VI. Dies irae5:167Songs of Life and Death, op. 69: VII. While You Are Still on This Shore8:018Songs of Life and Death, op. 69: VIII. Live a Full Life5:109The Iron Age, op. 55: I. The Wedding Procession of Ilmari and the Golden Woman1:5810The Iron Age, op. 55: II. The Song of Aino4:5211The Iron Age, op. 55: III. Lemminkin in Pohjola3:2612The Iron Age, op. 55: IV. Lemminkin Hunts the Devil's Elk3:3213The Iron Age, op. 55: V. Lemminkin in Tuonela4:5914The Iron Age, op. 55: VI. Väinö's Song2:3315The Iron Age, op. 55: VII. Lemminki and the Maidens of the Island I-IV7:011996 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 18 tracks · 1:56:09
Disc 11Palatsi: Alkusoitto7:012Palatsi: Prologi: On yhä pimeää8:093Palatsi: Prologi: On kuhnailtu kyllin!5:164Palatsi: Prologi: Sanokaa jo vihdoin missä valta on11:475Palatsi: I näytös: Sir, voinko Teitä häiritä hetkisen?7:116Palatsi: I näytös: Nyt on Hänen Kaikkein Korkea-arvoisimman Terveytensä hetki4:547Palatsi: I näytös: Oi, Korkein Kuningas, Sinua odotamme6:248Palatsi: I näytös: Nyt on virkanimitysten hetki!7:159Palatsi: I näytös: Ryömikää, anelkaa armoa!7:41Disc 21Palatsi: II näytös: Pahuutta, Teidän Suurenmoinen Majesteettinne, ryömii sisään ulkopuolelta3:302Palatsi: II näytös: On tässä parhaat vuodet menneet hukkaan3:363Palatsi: II näytös: Ei valtaasi voi horjuttaa...2:554Palatsi: II näytös: Ei minulla ole ääntä omaa6:105Palatsi: II näytös: Riisto ja ahneus saastainen on kaikki minkä tarvitsen2:486Palatsi: II näytös: Tahtoisin tietää mitä on toisella puolen tuon muurin8:397Palatsi: II näytös: Nyt se tehdään4:538Palatsi: II näytös: Kun tulevaisuus sinua jossain odottaa4:199Palatsi: III näytös: On taivaan kansi valoton13:41Complete Works for String Orchestra
1997 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 5 tracks · 1:04:09
1Some Aspects of Peltoniemi Hintrik's Funeral March12:422Chamber Music I, op. 3811:323Sunrise Serenade, op. 636:454Chamber Music II, op. 4113:445Chamber Music III, op. 58 "The Nocturnal Dances of Don Juan Quixote"19:26Complete Works for Violin, Cello, Double Bass and Piano
1998 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 13 tracks · 1:05:35
1Metamorfora for Double Bass and Piano, op. 346:202Canto for Violin Solo, op. 374:253Ritornello for Violin Solo, op. 364:444Sonata for Solo Cello, op. 26: 1st movement7:005Sonata for Solo Cello, op. 26: 2nd movement6:506Notturno for Piano, op. 143:487Cadenze for Violin Solo, op. 134:498Elegy for Sebastian Knight for Double Bass Solo, op. 105:209Quatre études for Violin and Piano, op. 21: I.1:3710Quatre études for Violin and Piano, op. 21: II.2:0111Quatre études for Violin and Piano, op. 21: III.1:3912Quatre études for Violin and Piano, op. 21: IV.2:1413From a Swan Song for Cello and Piano, op. 6714:482006 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 5 tracks · 1:12:39
1Introduction and Tango Overture, op. 74b10:142Chamber Music III, op. 58 "The Nocturnal Dances of Don Juanquijote"20:063Elegy for Sebastian Knight, op. 104:254Chamber Music IV, op. 79 "Metamorphoses of Elegy for Sebastian Knight"16:575Chamber Music V, op. 80 "Barabbas Variations"20:572006 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 15 tracks · 2:07:52
Disc 11The King Goes Forth to France : Act I Prologue. Kun Englanti kalisee kylmästä (Guide And Chorus)6:192The King Goes Forth to France : Act I Scene 1. Eikö opetella puhumaan, tytöt (Nice Caroline)6:563The King Goes Forth to France : Act I Scene 2. Olet antanut sataa lunta tyttöjen hiuksille (Prince)13:304The King Goes Forth to France : Act I Scene 3. Kuulin väärin (The Nice Caroline)8:115The King Goes Forth to France : Act I Scene 4. Kantaako jää jo? (Guide)7:046The King Goes Forth to France : Act II Scene 5. Tämä on Ranska (The Caroline with the Thick Mane)7:467The King Goes Forth to France : Act II Scene 6. Englannin ja Ranskan yhdisti nyt hirvittävä jäinen silta (Froissart)11:518The King Goes Forth to France : Act II Scene 7. Joko alkoi, kerro kuningas (Prime Minister)6:299The King Goes Forth to France : Act II Scene 8. Tietä Böömin kuninkaalle (Guide)6:36Disc 21The King Goes Forth to France : Act III Prelude2:502The King Goes Forth to France : Act III Scene 9. Hyvissä ajoin ennen talven tuloa (Froissart)5:043The King Goes Forth to France : Act III Scene 10. Jos sinulla olisi pitkä tukka (The Caroline with the Thick Mane)6:024The King Goes Forth to France : Act III Scene 11. Heräsin, vahtimasta uneni portteja (King)10:255The King Goes Forth to France : Act III Scene 12. Minun isäni kuoli viime yönä (Young Prime Minister)8:536The King Goes Forth to France : Act III Scene 13. Anne Varas, se harakka (The Anne who Strips)19:562008 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 8 tracks · 1:02:38
1Symphony no. 3, op. 35: I. Tempo energico ed sostenuto7:362Symphony no. 3, op. 35: II. Chaconne7:153Symphony no. 3, op. 35: III. Vivace giacoso, Finale9:304Symphony no. 5, op. 57 "Washington Mosaics": I. Washington Mosaics I12:105Symphony no. 5, op. 57 "Washington Mosaics": II. Intermezzo I5:146Symphony no. 5, op. 57 "Washington Mosaics": III. Intermezzo II4:567Symphony no. 5, op. 57 "Washington Mosaics": IV. Intermezzo III7:358Symphony no. 5, op. 57 "Washington Mosaics": V. Washington Mosaics II8:222009 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 6 tracks · 1:05:40
1Symphony no. 6, op. 65 "From a New Zealand Diary": The Islands of the Sounds10:312Symphony no. 6, op. 65 "From a New Zealand Diary": Air. Rain.8:093Symphony no. 6, op. 65 "From a New Zealand Diary": Kyeburn Diggings10:224Symphony no. 6, op. 65 "From a New Zealand Diary": Finale "Simply by Sailing"10:455Cello Concerto, op. 44: OSA20:236Cello Concerto, op. 44: Allegro - Presto - Prestissimo5:30Symphonies 2 & 4 / Horn Concerto / Mauermusik
2013 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 7 tracks · 1:10:52
1Symphony no. 4, op. 49: Andante poco giocoso6:162Symphony no. 4, op. 49: Dona nobis pacem7:013Symphony no. 4, op. 49: Finale9:494Symphony no. 2, op. 29 "Symphonic Dialogue"16:355Horn Concerto, op. 85 "Campane er Arie": Part I11:276Horn Concerto, op. 85 "Campane er Arie": Part II9:567Mauermusik, op. 79:482013 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 6 tracks · 1:07:50
1Shadows, op. 528:482Symphony no. 8, op. 81 "Autumnal Fragments"24:023Violin Concerto, op. 18: Andante sostenuto8:374Violin Concerto, op. 18: Larghetto5:185Violin Concerto, op. 18: Allegro giocoso4:096The Palace Rhapsody, op. 7216:562013 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 4 tracks · 1:02:56
1A Solemn Overture (King Lear), op. 7512:002Symphony no. 1, op. 2414:253Chorali11:154Symphony no. 7, op. 71 "The Dreams of Gandalf"25:16Poema: Works for Cello and Strings
2014 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 6 tracks · 1:04:15
1Poema6:492HATE–LOVE, op. 7115:493Concerto for Cello and Strings: I. Espressivo7:124Concerto for Cello and Strings: II. Due intermezzi (Nachtmusik)4:355Concerto for Cello and Strings: III. Presto9:506Chamber Music VIII, op. 94 “Paavo Haavikko in memoriam”20:00Piano Trio, op. 96 / Cello Sonata, op. 86 / From a Swan Song, op. 67
2015 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 6 tracks · 54:50
1Sonata per Violoncello e Piano, op. 86: Barcarolle (con variazione)5:242Sonata per Violoncello e Piano, op. 86: Serenata5:583Sonata per Violoncello e Piano, op. 86: Scherzo (quasi l'ultimo tango)3:314Sonata per Violoncello e Piano, op. 86: Il modo grave e lirico - Epilogo8:085From a Swan Song for Cello & Piano, op. 6713:316Piano Trio for Violin, Violoncello & Piano, op. 9618:182015 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 13 tracks · 2:37:20
Disc 11Chamber Music I, op. 3812:342Chamber Music III, op. 58 "The Nocturnal Dances of Don Juanquixote"19:463Chamber Music V, op. 80a "Barabbas Variations"22:284Chamber Music VII, op. 93 "Cruselliana"24:09Disc 21Chamber Music II, op. 4115:112Chamber Music IV, op. 79 "Metamorphoses of the Elegy for Sebastian Knight": I. Allegro -4:283Chamber Music IV, op. 79 "Metamorphoses of the Elegy for Sebastian Knight": II. Passagaglia (Tempo più tranquillo)5:484Chamber Music IV, op. 79 "Metamorphoses of the Elegy for Sebastian Knight": III. Lento Moderato3:125Chamber Music IV, op. 79 "Metamorphoses of the Elegy for Sebastian Knight": IV. Rondo interrotto5:106Chamber Music VI, op. 88 "3 invitations au voyage": I.10:517Chamber Music VI, op. 88 "3 invitations au voyage": II. A Charles7:548Chamber Music VI, op. 88 "3 invitations au voyage": III.6:029Chamber Music VIII, op. 94 "The Trees, All Their Green"19:472024 · studio album
Search SpotifySearch YouTube Music
Tracklist · 6 tracks · 56:38
1Vyöry16:192Concerto for 2 Accordions, Percussion & String Orchestra, op. 115: I. Duo Concertante no. 16:213Concerto for 2 Accordions, Percussion & String Orchestra, op. 115: II. Duo Concertante no. 212:554Shape-Shifter: I. Lento affettuoso - II. Allegro con brio6:285Shape-Shifter: III. Largo intensivo6:236Shape-Shifter: IV. Allegro con fuoco8:12
Album · 3
| Cover | Year | Title | Notes | First release |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Sinfonia / Chorali / Sinfonia III / Cadenze per violino solo / Elegy for Sebastian Knight / String Quartet no. 3Search SpotifySearch YouTube MusicTracklist · 8 tracks · 1:13:361Sinfonia16:42 2Chorali11:35 3Sinfonia III: Il tempo energico e sostenuto7:07 4Sinfonia III: Chaconne7:03 5Sinfonia III: Vivace / giocoso. Finale8:34 6Cadenze per violino solo4:31 7Elegy for Sebastian Knight, op. 105:54 8String Quartet no. 3, op. 1912:10 | Compilation | 1987 | |
| 1996 | Meet the Composer: Aulis SallinenSearch SpotifySearch YouTube MusicTracklist · 15 tracks · 2:28:52Disc 1 1Shadows, op. 5210:15 2Symphony no. 4, op. 49: Andante poco giocoso7:01 3Symphony no. 4, op. 49: "Dona nobis pacem"7:33 4Symphony no. 4, op. 49: Finale10:30 5Symphony no. 5, op. 57 "Washington Mosaics": Washington Mosaics I12:50 6Symphony no. 5, op. 57 "Washington Mosaics": Intermezzo I5:22 7Symphony no. 5, op. 57 "Washington Mosaics": Intermezzo II4:41 8Symphony no. 5, op. 57 "Washington Mosaics": Intermezzo III6:28 9Symphony no. 5, op. 57 "Washington Mosaics": Washington Mosaics II8:00 Disc 21Sunrise Serenade, op. 637:11 2Cello Concerto, op. 44: Il modo variabile - Quasi marcia funebre19:55 3Cello Concerto, op. 44: Allegro - Presto - Prestissimo5:26 4Aspects of the Funeral March of Hintrikki Peltoniemi12:31 5Chamber Music I, op. 3811:59 6Chamber Music III, op. 58 "The Nocturnal Dances of Don Juanquixote"19:10 | Compilation | 1996 | |
| 1999 | Sibelius: Lemminkäinen / Sallinen: Rauta-aikaSearch SpotifySearch YouTube MusicTracklist · 11 tracks · 1:14:061Lemminkäinen, op. 22: I. Lemminkäinen ja Saaren neidot15:51 2Lemminkäinen, op. 22: II. Lemminkäinen Tuonelassa14:57 3Lemminkäinen, op. 22: III. Tuonelan joutsen8:26 4Lemminkäinen, op. 22: IV. Lemminkäisen kotiinpaluu6:32 5Rauta-aika, op. 55: I. Ilmarin ja Kultanaisen hääkulkue1:56 6Rauta-aika, op. 55: II. Ainon laulu4:52 7Rauta-aika, op. 55: III. Lemminki Pohjolassa3:26 8Rauta-aika, op. 55: IV. Lemminki hiihtää Hiiden hirven3:32 9Rauta-aika, op. 55: V. Lemminki Tuonelassa5:00 10Rauta-aika, op. 55: VI. Väinön soitto2:33 11Rauta-aika, op. 55: VII. Lemminki ja Saaren neidot7:01 | Compilation | April 1999 |
Stats & PK
Percentile within all 23,672 published artists.Put Aulis Sallinen head-to-head →
| Metric | Value | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Wikipedia language versions | 18 | 78.1th |
| Spotify monthly listeners | — | no data |
| Release groups in DB | 27 | 89.5th |
| Studio albums | 24 | 97.3th |
| Awards recorded | 6 | 97.7th |
| Timeline events | 30 | 96.8th |
| Recording span (years) | 39 | 79.2th |
| Genres | 8 | 94.5th |
Awards & honours
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Wihuri Sibelius Prize | won | |
| 1984 | Pro Finlandia Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland | won | |
| 1997 | Commander of the Order of the White Rose of Finland | won | |
| 2012 | Commander First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland | won | |
| — | Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres | won | |
| — | Sibelius Medal | won |
Where this record comes from
portrait—Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 · retrieved 11 October 2026
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aulis_Sallinen.jpgaliases/urls—musicbrainz · CC0 · retrieved 10 October 2026
https://musicbrainz.org/artist/30ed19b3-2e06-43b9-a1cc-72ad95e6baa3discography—musicbrainz · CC0 · retrieved 10 October 2026
https://musicbrainz.org/artist/30ed19b3-2e06-43b9-a1cc-72ad95e6baa3core—wikidata · CC0 · retrieved 10 October 2026
https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q542194genre—wikidata · CC0 · retrieved 11 October 2026
https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q542194seed-list—wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0 · retrieved 10 October 2026
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aulis_Sallinenbiography—wikipedia-en · CC BY-SA 4.0 · retrieved 10 October 2026
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aulis_Sallinen
Why this artist is in the database
- List of composers by name
Tier rule: curated genre/region list
Image: Soppakanuuna · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Wikidata: Q542194 · MusicBrainz: 30ed19b3-2e06-43b9-a1cc-72ad95e6baa3
Similar artists
Browse every Tier 3 artist →Ranked from this record's own data: shared genre tags (rarer tags weigh more), era, home country and comparable fame. Every card lists the signals that placed it — no editorial picks.
Leevi Madetoja
Finland · Person
chamber music · symphony · classical music · opera
4 shared genre tags · debut 1987, 2 years apart · from Finland
18 wikis
Aarre Merikanto
Finland · Person
chamber music · symphony · opera
3 shared genre tags · debut 1988, 3 years apart · from Finland
19 wikis
Joonas Kokkonen
Finland · Person
chamber music · symphony · opera
3 shared genre tags · debut 1981 · from Finland
17 wikis
Einojuhani Rautavaara
Finland · Person
contemporary classical music · symphony · opera
3 shared genre tags · debut 1987, 2 years apart · from Finland
34 wikis
Kalevi Aho
Finland · Person
contemporary classical music · symphony · classical music · opera
4 shared genre tags · debut 1989 · from Finland
18 wikis
Erik Bergman
Finland · Person
contemporary classical music · classical music · opera
3 shared genre tags · debut 1988, 3 years apart · from Finland
13 wikis
Magnus Lindberg
Finland · Person
contemporary classical music · classical music · opera
3 shared genre tags · debut 1988, 3 years apart · from Finland
23 wikis
Toivo Kuula
Finland · Person
chamber music · classical music
2 shared genre tags · debut 1989 · from Finland
21 wikis