Finnish Helsinki-based 17-year-old composer and pianist Mark Sulander is studying composition at the Helsinki Conservatory with Markku Klami. He became interested in composing through improvisations, which he later began to notate and at the same time create compositional ensembles. Sulander’s compositions evoke a wide range of moods and have been described as thought-provoking and interesting.

Sulander has received several performances of his works. For example, Sulander’s chamber music piece “Three portraits of Finland” has received its premiere at Oulu’s October New Music Festival, and the lied composition “Seetri” has been streamed live to Yle Areena in the Helsinki Lied competition.

Works

Reflektio

Reflektio is a piece for solo piano. The piece draws inspirations from Sulander’s astrophotographs and consist of three movements:

  • I. Orionin tähtisumu, II. Joutsenen seinämä, III. Andromedan galaksi

Olipa kerran

Olipa kerran is a piece for solo piano. It was composed through multiple improvisatory ideas that Sulander later combined into one multi movement piece.     

The piece consists of four movement:

  • I. Olipa kerran, II. Ihminen, III. Tähtitaivas mariaanien haudan päällä, IV. Finale

Kolme muotokuvaa Suomesta

Kolme muotokuvaa Suomesta (Three portraits of Finland) is a chamber piece for piano, cello and violin. The piece is based on Sulander’s three pictures across Finland.

Metsä

Metsä is a Lied piece that draws inspiration from nature.

The piece consists of three movements:

  • I. Usva, II. Vesiputous, III. Avaruus

Seetri

Seetri is an one movement Lied piece. Seetri is a philosophical piece going through a wide range of emotions.

Puu

Puu is a symphony that takes inspiration from nature and specifically from the tropical trees of Madeira.

The piece consists of four movements:

  • I. Allegro moderato, II. Scherzo, III. Andante, IV. Finale
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