Georg Malmstén (1902-1981), the composer of most of the songs on this album, began his musical career as a military musician and became a respected art singer before transitioning to popular music.
Composition History
Georg Malmstén's "Mikkihiiri merihädässä" (Mickey Mouse in Distress) was nearly subject to a plagiarism lawsuit by Americans who suspected it was an unauthorized copy of Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse.
Instruments
Tapiola Sinfonietta, the orchestra on this recording, consists of 41 musicians, following the classical symphony orchestra configuration.
Cultural Impact
Georg Malmstén recorded the first Finnish children's album with orchestral accompaniment, "Karhunpoika sairastaa" (The Bear Cub is Sick), in 1930, followed by dozens of other children's songs.
Compositional Technique
Georg Malmstén's musical stories, called 'stori,' were created unusually: he first composed the music, then wrote a prose story under the notes, from which lyricist Roine Richard Ryynänen crafted the singable words.
Composition History
The song "Sairas karhunpoika" (The Sick Bear Cub) originated when Georg Malmstén entertained his frequently ill son, Ole, by playing the piano and telling a story about his teddy bear.
Performer Biography
Matti Salminen, a bass singer on this album, is an elite figure in the opera world, performing at major venues like the Vienna State Opera, New York's Metropolitan, and Milan's La Scala.
You might also enjoy...
Laserna, B. De: Tirana Del Tripili (La) / El Desenganado / Esteve, P.: Los Payos Del Malbru (Tonadilla and Popular Musical Comedies in Spain)
Hirviendo el Mar: Spanish Baroque Vocal Music
Gasparini: Mirena e Floro
Becoming a Redwood
Friedrich Silcher: Mit der Stimme Zauberklang. 36 Lieder
Silcher, F.: Vocal Music
Stölzel: German Chamber Cantatas, Vol. 2
Emile Jaques-Dalcroze: Six Chansons populaires romandes - Jean Binet: Dix "Chansons du mal au coeur"
