- Finnish and Karelian Music
- Archives: Now you can listen to Finnish Radio Program Archives from University of Victoria! CFUV (1.5 hours each)
- Archive 1
- Listen - includes interview with Mayme Sevander, survivor of Stalin's purges in Karelia.
- The importance of music in Finnish culture is evident right from the first words of the Kalevala, the key literary works, with its roots in Karelia. It played a central role in giving the independence seeking Finns a strong identity in the 19th - 20th Century. Sibelius, the famous Finnish composer used Kalevala themes extensively in his compositions as did most folk composers. history of Finnish folk music with samples
- "I am driven by my longing,
- and my understanding urges
- That I should commence my singing,
- And begin my recitation.
- I will sing the people's legends,
- And the ballads of the nation.
- To my mouth the words are flowing,
- And the words are gently falling."
- Kalevala
- and my understanding urges
- The original musical instrument of the Finnish tribes was the Kantele, which was replaced by the violin and later the accordion. The full-sized chromatic button accordion is the instrument of choice for "Real Finnish" music. The writer's grandfather Vihtori Saarnio was the Viipuri (Vyborg) representative for Kouvolan Harmonikka (harmonikka=accordion) before the Russian invasion and occupation of Karelia's capital city, Viipuri. The city and 10% of Finland is still under Russian occupation.
- As a result of the long history and culture of the accordion in Finland it is not surprising that you can hear some of the best accordion playing in that country. Suomen Harmonikkainstituutti
The Tango has been a favorite Finnish music and dance for most of this Century, and every year a Tango Queen and King are chosen in competition, and Finland has a National Tango called Satumaa.
This phenomenon is unique in the Scandinavian countries, possibly due to the Finns' love of romantic music. Finnish music often concerns the beauty of their country or the lost mythical land of Karelia. The performing arts are an important part of Finnish culture and children are encouraged to get involved early.
There was a revival of tango music in the 1950's and 60's, and when rock music came along, Finland became more or less divided between Tango (and Humppa, a kind of two-step) in the north and rock in the south. This line went from roughly Vaasa to Kouvola. There are hundreds of music and song festivals throughout Finland in the summer that attract musicians and visitors from all over the world. No matter what type of music is your interest, you will find a concert somewhere in Finland, especially in the summer.
- Historical music mp3's: Metsäkukkia and Valssi menneiltä Ajoilta by Viljo Vesterinen, and Lasse Pihlajamaa, 1950.
- Finnish Music
- Finnish Oldies - A site for nostalgia in Finnish music; Real and Mp3.
Karelian Music today is played on both sides of the border with Russian Karelia.
Karelian Music from Russia
Talvisovat: Russian Karelian Musicians - Aunuksen Anja - Wartime songs
- Aunuksen Anja - 1942 song Talvisovat
- Myllärit from Äänisjärvi (Lake Onega):
http://www.onego.ru/win/pages/myllarit/eta_pravda/index.html http://www.onego.ru/myllarit/8mart/
Leo Sevets:
Music: http://www.onego.ru/win/pages/leo/music/d'Airot: Progressive Blues Rock Band:
http://www.onego.ru/win/pages/dairot/index_f.html
Music, video: http://www.onego.ru/win/pages/dairot/audio_f.htmKarelian Folk Song and Dance Ensemble Kantele
Finno-Ugric Song Lyrics Our Finnish Songbook Kun Joulu on - Finnish Christmas Song Juha Nuotio's Finnish Folk Songs Karelian Folk Music Ensemble Historical Music - samples and information
Guitar Harmony Central Olga Site Gordon Lightfoot Olga Guitar Site Lessons Links Chord Chart Finnish Guitar Site - Tampere
Accordion
Diatonic Accordion similar to mine made by Eichhorn-Schwyzerorgel
- Books:
- Planet Squeezebox : Accordion Music from Around the World
- Learn to Play Irish Button Accordion by John Williams
Links:- Accordions Around the World
- Pieksämäen Harmonikka Kerho (Finnish)
- Finnish Accordion Links (English)
- Finnish Music Information Center
International
- Books:
- Balalaika (Pwys 24) by Stepan Rak
- Listen to Irish Button Accordion music by Patty Furlong
- Get yourself an accordion and learn to play:
- Music:
- International Finnish Songbook
- International Folk Song Lyrics
- 1972 Eurovision Video
- A Song About Jesus, son of Mary
- Finnish/Karelian/Finno-Ugric Music by Artist
- International music at Amazon.com
- Quartetto Gelato - Amazing quartet!
- Last FM - Finnish Music Short Clips!
- Ska, Reggae and other Music Fun Page
Search online music Audio and Video Search International Folk Song Lyrics Other Music Related Sites Mega Lyric Link Site Song Lyrics
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WW II photo gallery
© 2000 - 2008 Osmo Joronen
- Balalaika (Pwys 24) by Stepan Rak
- Archives: Now you can listen to Finnish Radio Program Archives from University of Victoria! CFUV (1.5 hours each)