Kai Nieminen (b. 1953) is both a composer and a masterly guitarist. It is therefore only natural that his ouvre should contain a wealth of music for this instrument. Guitar music is, however, only one item in his prolific output of works for various solo instruments, chamber ensembles and symphony orchestra. Nieminen often composes his works for some specific musician with whom he can discuss the technical potential of the instrument. True musicianship and meaningful challenges for the player are, as a result, inherent features of his works.

The music of Kai Nieminen does not conform to any of the schools or -isms. Rests and silence are in fact almost as important to him as sounds, and his indeterminate intervals give his music an archaic undercurrent. Nieminen believes in musical narratives and their universality. According to him, music cannot exist simply for the sake of the music itself; the relationship with the environment and the chance for the listeners to abandon themselves to a chain of associations are vital aspects of music.

Martin Anderson made an interview (Fanfare July/August Issue) of Kai Nieminen under title "Light and Shadow and Literature". Read how Kai Nieminen describes his music in this article.

Nieminen is regularly working with John Mills, Head of Guitar at the Welsh Academy of Music and Drama, who has written of Nieminen’s music: “Beautifully crafted, with impressive orchestration, and great depth of feeling and atmosphere. His numerous compositions for the guitar are written with a complete understanding and mastery of the instrument, and are particularly important in these times when little of quality is appearing.”

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CD's published by recording company Pilfink.
CD's published by recording company Naxos.
DVD's published by production company Dovitra Oy.
Musiikkikustantamo Fennica Gehrman
Finnish Music Information Centre