Heino Kaski

Heino Kaski was born in Pielisjärvi into a cantor's family. He studied at the Helsinki Cantor-Organist school and then entered the Philharmonic's Orchestra School where he continued studying the violin. He was also tutored in theory and composition by Erkki Melartin. In 1911, on Jean Sibelius' recommendation, Kaski received a grant which enabled him to study for four years in Berlin under Paul Juon. In 1914 Heino Kaski returned to Finland and started composing his Symphony in B Minor, one of his large-scale works, under guidance from Selim Palmgren. The symphony was performed on October 2, 1919. The same year, Kaski travelled again to Berlin, this time to study under Otto Taubmann, and later he also studied in Italy and France. Kaski finally returned to Finland in 1924 and since then worked as music teacher.  Heino Kaski is best known for his piano miniatures and songs which number over one hundred and display a natural gift for melody. Many of his piano compositions have been orchestrated.