Juha Torvinen

“If we wish to experience music as a genuinely questioning, searching, challenging and revitalising art form, should it not reflect the diversity of the world around it much better?” Kimmo Korhonen interviewed two proponents of diversity and plurality in music: a researcher, Docent Juha Torvinen PhD from the University of Helsinki; and a musician, violinist Linda Suolahti, artistic director of the Musequal festival.

Collaborative composing is not common among Finnish composers of art music, and the approach raises several critical questions. Is it even possible to share musical creation and innovation with another person? Does group work inevitably lead to bland or incoherent compromises, or can it produce art of a high quality? Is the incentive for engaging in this that it is trendy or that commissioners want it that way, or do composers have other reasons for co-authoring works? Despite the numerous reservations, some composers have found collaboration to be an enriching aspect of writing music.