Kaija Saariaho on the Role of Nature in Her Work

Many of the works of Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho—"Neiges," "Petals," "Sept Papillons," "Tag des Jahrs," and others—are notable for their complex incorporation of themes from nature. Here, Saariaho—Carnegie Hall's 2011-2012 Richard and Barbara Debs Composer's Chair—discusses how nature is represented in an abstract way in compositions like "Nymphéa." More information about Kaija Saariaho's 2011-2012 residency is available at http://www.carnegiehall.org/saariaho