Kaj Chydenius

Chydenius in 2009

Kaj Oskar Chydenius (16 October 1939 – 20 April 2024) was a Finnish musician and composer, probably best known for his left-wing political songs interpreted by various artists.

Biography

Chydenius studied at the Sibelius Academy,[1] the University of Helsinki and the Helsinki School of Economics, starting his career with avant-garde music, happening, instrumental theatre, and the aesthetics of John Cage. Some of the best-known works by Chydenius are Lapualaisooppera (1966)[2] and such songs as 'Sinua, sinua rakastan', 'Nuoruustango' and the children's song 'Magdaleena', which are all evergreens in Finland. Chydenius was one of the founding members of KOM-teatteri in 1971, together with Kaisa Korhonen who was his wife then. The younger son of Kaj Chydenius, Jussi Chydenius is a member of the vocal ensemble Rajaton. Many works by Chydenius are released on Love Records.

Kaj Chydenius was related to Anders Chydenius (1729–1803), a Finnish Lutheran priest and a member of the Swedish Riksdag; this was his great-great-uncle in the fifth generation.[3]

Chydenius died in Helsinki on 20 April 2024, at the age of 84.[4] His former wife Kaisa Korhonen died only five days later.[5]

Selected discography

  • Lauluja (1966)
  • Kauneimmat rakkauslaulut (1977)
  • Unet palaavat Helsinkiin (1996)

References

  1. ^ Lyytikäinen, Pasi. "What matters most is that the poem has personal significance to the composer". Finnish Composers' Copyright Society Teosto. Archived from the original on 6 August 2010. Retrieved 1 February 2010.
  2. ^ "Finland Events & Festivals – Events at Stoa 2010". Finnguide. Retrieved 1 February 2010.[permanent dead link‍]
  3. ^ Kokkola Karleby Finland: Anders Chydenius (in Finnish)
  4. ^ Joukanen, Toni. "Muusikko ja säveltäjä Kaj Chydenius on kuollut" (in Finnish). Yle. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  5. ^ Määttänen, Juuso. "Teatteriohjaaja Kaisa Korhonen on kuollut" (in Finnish). Helsingin Sanomat. Retrieved 25 April 2024.


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