Erakis for solo piano (2016-2017) includes more lyrical sections than many of my larger piano works. It starts with a melancholy and floating section, which will later return only as short reminiscences. Between these fragments a tragic story full of hidden implications is told, and after the last, quite desperate reminiscence, the violent collapse of everything is inevitable.

Erakis (also known as Mu Cephei or Herschel’s Garnet Star) is one of the largest stars known, placed on the Sun’s position it would reach almost the orbit of Saturn. When a star of this size reaches the end of its life – which might be astronomically quite soon in this case – it’ll be a violent and disastrous event, and the result will most likely be a black hole.

The great first performance of Erakis was given by Eriko Takahashi in Tokyo, 4th of September, 2022.

Ari Romppanen: Erakis
(Written by pianist Eriko Takahashi as introductory text for the booklet of her CD “Nordic Visions” (ALM Records, 2025))

Helsinki-based composer Ari Romppanen studied composition with Erkki Jokinen at the Sibelius Academy and participated in master classes of Jouni Kaipainen and Jukka Tiensuu.

Romppanen’s works, in which he creates his own musical language from various elements such as the space, virtuosity, and Japanese culture, often have a grand scale and mystical sound, and behind the seemingly complex texture there are strong messages under the surface. He is also an excellent pianist, as can be seen in the technical and pianistic writing of his works, especially in chamber music and works for solo piano. He has deep connections to Japan, having collaborated with pianist Eriko Takahashi since 2018, and being a founder and core member of “FinJa Music,” an organization that aims to promote musical exchange between Finland and Japan.

Title “Erakis” refers to the star also known as Cepheus μ or Garnet Star. The work begins with a beautiful melody that seems to drift through a dream, but soon changes to violent and tragic chords. The two contrasting musical characters alternate as the work progresses, and the final violently tumbling passage resembles the end of a giant star as it implodes into a black hole.

This work was written for pianist Janne Mertanen, known as a Chopin player, and contains romantic elements throughout, such as lyrical melodies and harmonies.