Einojuhani Rautavaara was born on October 9, 1928, and died on July 27, 2016.

He was a Finnish composer of classical music.

Einojuhani Rautavaara was one of the most notable Finnish composers after Jean Sibelius.

He has written a great number of works spanning various styles.

He wrote his early works using 12-tone serial techniques, his later music may be described as neo-romantic and mystical.

His major works include Cantus Arcticus and Symphony No. 7 “Angel of Light.

Einojuhani Rautavaara compositions include eight symphonies, 14 concertos, choral works (several for unaccompanied choir, including Vigilia (1971–1972)), sonatas for various instruments, string quartets and other chamber music, and a number of biographical operas including Vincent (1986–1987, based on the life of Vincent van Gogh), Aleksis Kivi (1995–1996) and Rasputin (2001–2003).

Various seleletion of his works have parts for magnetic tape, including Cantus Arcticus (1972, also known as Concerto for Birds & Orchestra) for taped bird song and orchestra, and True and False Unicorn (1971, second version 1974, revised 2001–02), the final version of which is for three reciters, choir, orchestra and tape.

Einojuhani latest works include orchestral works Book of Visions (2003–2005), Manhattan Trilogy (2003–2005) and Before the Icons (2005) which is an expanded version of his early piano work Icons.

During 2005 he finished a work for violin and piano called Lost Landscapes, commissioned by the violinist Midori Goto.

His new orchestral work, A Tapestry of Life, was premiered by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in April 2008, directed by Pietari Inkinen.

Einojuhani Rautavaara passed away at 87 years old.