Although Sallinen has composed across many genres—his oeuvre includes large-scale orchestral compositions, works for stage, chamber music, choral songs, pieces for instrumental soloist, etc.—his reputation rests primarily on his eight symphonies (1971–2001) and his seven operas (1973–2017).
[1] Reflecting Sallinen's standing, each of the last four symphonies has resulted from an international commission: the Fifth, Washington Mosaics (Op.
57, 1985–87) for the National Symphony Orchestra (then under the direction of Mstislav Rostropovich); the Sixth, From a New Zealand Diary (Op.
When at work on an opera, Sallinen tends to compose simultaneously smaller "satellite" pieces, which share thematic material with their respective large-scale parents.
Many of these compositions are substantial (rather than derivative) works, including: Four Dream Songs, Op.