Einojuhani Rautavaara may well be the most popular symphonist alive today. On the occasion of his 80th anniversary, Ondine pays homage to its longtime house composer by releasing the first-ever edition of the complete eight symphonies, in a special box set. Rautavaara is recognized as the greatest Finnish composer after Jean Sibelius. He has often described symphonic music as a journey through human life.

Max Pommer, sometimes called one of the few remaining "Old World" conductors, first drew attention for his interpretations of the works of J.S. Bach and other Baroque composers. But since the 1980s he has explored a much broader range of repertory, taking in compositions by contemporary Finnish composers Einojuhani Rautavaara and Kalevi Aho, as well as more traditional fare by Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Debussy, and even Weill. Pommer, more than most first – rank conductors, has devoted much of his career to teaching, as well as to conducting university ensembles

This CD features one of the most frequently performed Finnish orchestral works of all time, Cantus Arcticus - Concerto for Birds and Orchestra by Einojuhani Rautavaara, which is coupled with Symphonies Nos. 4 and 5. This release is the second volume in a cycle featuring the complete symphonies by Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara. The recordings were made in Leipzig in 1989/1990, with the Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra led by its then Chief Conductor Max Pommer, and originally released in July 1990.