Finnish folk songs, despite often being characterized as melancholy, were used to express the full range of human experience, from weddings to funerals, joy to sorrow.
Recording & Production
The Lahti Symphony Orchestra, led by Osmo Vänskä, has received numerous awards for its recordings, including two Gramophone Awards and the first Finnish orchestral music gold record.
Historical Context
In ancient Finland, everyone was a composer, poet, and performer, and songs were created and performed in their native language without accompaniment.
Historical Context
Singing has existed in Finland for ten thousand years, since the ice melted and the country was inhabited.
Performer Biography
Osmo Vänskä, the conductor of the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, is an internationally significant conductor who has made over 50 recordings and won the Besançon International Conducting Competition in 1982.
Historical Context
The widespread collection of Finnish folk songs began in the mid-19th century and continues today, with many prominent composers and musical figures participating.
Composition History
Elias Lönnrot, creator of the Finnish national epic poem 'Kalevala', published a collection of lyric poetry called 'Kanteletar' in 1840, which included folk songs from his childhood.
