Finnish classical composer

HELSINKI — Einojuhani Rautavaara, arguably Finland’s most famous classical composer since the era of Jean Sibelius, has died at the age of 87.

Rautavaara produced eight symphonies, seven operas, 14 concertos and dozens of other orchestral and vocal compositions. He achieved international fame with his seventh symphony, “Angel of Light,” in 1994.

He was known for music that explored mystical and romantic themes, and employed innovative use of recorded bird song.

Reijo Kiilanen, managing director of Ondine Records that released most of his works, says Rautavaara died in a Helsinki hospital Wednesday following complications from hip surgery.

“Rautavaara deservedly is the first Finnish composer after Sibelius to make an international breakthrough,” Kiilanen told The Associated Press.

Ari Nieminen, publishing manager for the Fennica Gehrman publishing house that owns the the copyright to much of Rautavaara’s music, called him “an intellectual and a mystical storyteller whose music was born from a longing for infinity.”

Rautavaara kept creating music despite suffering a torn aorta in 2004.

“It was a miracle that he survived and, although he was a bit fragile, it didn’t stop him working,” said Kiilanen said.