Traditional Finnish Folk Music: A Genre Worth Discovering

Traditional Finnish Folk Music is a genre of music worth discovering. This type of music is unique and has a rich history.

What is Finnish Folk Music?

Finnish folk music has roots in the music of the rural Finnish people. It is characterized by vocal and instrumental pieces that often use traditional instruments, such as the kantele, jouhikko, and torvi. The music often tells stories of daily life, love, and nature.

Folk music was an important part of social life in Finland until the 19th century. As urbanization and industrialization spread, folk music became less common. In the early 20th century, however, there was a revival of interest in folk music, spurred in part by the nationalistic sentiment of the time. Today, Finnish folk music is once again enjoying a resurgence in popularity.

If you’re looking for something new to listen to, Finnish folk music is a genre worth discovering. You’ll be enchanted by its beautiful melodies, fascinating history, and distinct sound.

The Origins of Finnish Folk Music

Finnish folk music has undergone a revival in recent years, with new bands and artists bringing the genre to a wider audience. But what is Finnish folk music, and where does it come from?

Folk music is traditionally passed down through the generations, often by word of mouth. In Finland, it was first collected and written down in the early 19th century by researchers and scientists such as Elias Lönnrot and Jean Sibelius. However, much of the music can be traced back even further, to the country’s pre-Christian era.

One of the most distinctive features of Finnish folk music is the use of the kantele, a type of plucked string instrument. The kantele has a long history in Finland, with references to it dating back to the 12th century. Kantele players would often accompany themselves with singing or chanting, creating a meditative and relaxing effect.

Today, Finnish folk music is enjoyed by people of all ages, both inside and outside of Finland. If you’re looking for something new to listen to, why not give Finnish folk music a try? You might just be surprised by how much you enjoy it!

The Characteristics of Finnish Folk Music

Finnish folk music has a character all of its own. The music is often based on ancient folk tunes, and the lyrics usually tell stories of everyday life, love, and nature. The instruments used in Finnish folk music are often very simple, such as the kantele (a type of zither), the jouhikko (a bowed lyre), and the torvi (a type of trumpet).

Finnish folk music is usually quite slow and gentle, with a distinctive melody that is often repeated several times. This makes it easy to listen to andpleasant to sing along with. Finnish folk music is also often quite infectious, and it is not uncommon for people to find themselves humming a tune long after they have heard it for the first time.

One of the most distinctive features of Finnish folk music is its use of harmony. In many other types of music, harmony is used to add interest or to create a sense of tension and release. However, in Finnish folk music, harmony is often used simply for its own sake, without any need for tension or release. This gives Finnish folk music a very calming and relaxing quality.

The Instruments Used in Finnish Folk Music

Finnish folk music is known for its use of the kantele, a type of zither with a long history in the country. The kantele is often played solo, but it can also be used as part of a folk ensemble. Other instruments used in Finnish folk music include the fiddle, accordion, and mandolin.

Finnish folk music has been passed down orally from generation to generation, and it continues to evolve today. Newer styles of Finnish folk music incorporate elements from other genres, such as rock and pop. However, the traditional sounds of the kantele and other instruments remain an integral part of Finnish culture.

The Popularity of Finnish Folk Music

Finnish folk music has been on the decline in recent years, with many young people instead opting for more modern genres. However, there are still a number of older generations who appreciate and enjoy the traditional sounds of Finnish folk music. In addition, there has been a resurgence of interest in the genre among some younger people in recent years. This is likely due to the increasing popularity of world music and a desire to connect with one’s cultural roots.

The Future of Finnish Folk Music

Folk music is notoriously difficult to define, but at its simplest, it is music that is passed down orally from generation to generation. In Finland, as in other countries, folk music has undergone many changes over the years. But thanks to the efforts of dedicated musicians and enthusiasts, the genre is very much alive and well today.

One of the biggest challenges facing Finnish folk music is the same one that faces all traditional music: how to stay relevant in a modern world. While some purists may argue that folk music should remain untouched by outside influences, others believe that it is vital for the genre to evolve in order to survive.

One way that Finnish folk music has managed to stay fresh and exciting is by blending it with other genres such as jazz, rock, and pop. This has resulted in a new wave of folk musicians who are bringing the music to a whole new audience.

It is clear that Finnish folk music has a bright future ahead of it. With its rich history and stunning melodies, there is no doubt that this genre is worth discovering.