Ilmari Krohn (1867-1960) was a significant Finnish music theorist and musicologist, who also composed extensively, including setting the entire Book of Psalms to music at age 80.
Historical Context
The most frequently performed Finnish sacred solo songs were written in the first half of the 20th century, stylistically aligning with Romanticism.
Composer Biography
Ilmari Hannikainen (1892-1955) continued his father P.J. Hannikainen's work, composing many beloved sacred songs, and was personally interested in sacred music.
Performer Biography
Soprano Soile Isokoski won 2nd prize at the BBC Singer of the World Competition in 1987, followed by 1st prizes at the Elly Ameling and Tokyo International Singing Competitions.
Cultural Impact
Taneli Kuusisto's 'Suomalainen rukous' became a popular piece during wartime, was adopted by choirs, and is now included in the Finnish Lutheran hymnal.
Composition History
Taneli Kuusisto's (1905-1988) 'Suomalainen rukous' (Finnish Prayer) was commissioned by the Finnish Broadcasting Company in 1939 and performed just before the Winter War.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Oskar Merikanto (1868-1924) composed 150 solo songs known for their melodically flowing, folk-like, and catchy simplicity.
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