Composer, journalist and writer Jouni Kaipainen studied at the Sibelius Academy under Aulis Sallinen from 1973–6 and Paavo Heininen from 1976–1980. In his work, Kaipainen uses classical forms to shape the musical events, which are often of a narrative character. He allows his themes and subjects to breathe and develop, which at times lends an aura of Mahlerian Romanticism to his music. Sonority and melody are important parameters for Kaipainen, and these are explored within structures that derive from eighteenth century concepts of form.