Discover the Beauty of Finn Folk Music

Discover the beauty of Finn folk music through this blog. You will find information on the various Finn folk music genres, as well as reviews of popular folk music albums.

Introduction

Finn folk music has a rich history and tradition dating back centuries. The music is known for its beautiful melodies, strong emotions, and powerful storytelling. It is an important part of Finnish culture and identity.

Finn folk music is unique in many ways. The music is often based on simple, repetitive themes that build into complex and beautiful structures. Finn folk musicians often use a wide range of instruments, including traditional Finnish instruments like the kantele (a type of zither) and the jouhikko (a bowing instrument).

Finnish folk music is also characterized by its close relationship to nature. Many songs are about the seasons, animals, and the natural world. This close connection to nature gives the music a special beauty and power.

If you’re interested in learning more about Finn folk music, there are many great resources available. You can find recordings of traditional songs online or in record stores, and there are also several excellent books about the history and tradition of Finn folk music.

The Origins of Finn Folk Music

Finnish folk music has a long history, dating back to the 13th century. It is an important part of the Finnish culture, and its popularity has spread throughout the world. Finn folk music is typically characterised by its use of the kantele, a traditional Finnish instrument. The music is often based on traditional Finnish myths and legends, and often has a strong narrative element.

The Kalevala

The Kalevala is a large body of ancient Finnish oral poetry that was collected and compiled by Elias Lönnrot in the 19th century. It is the national epic of Finland and one of the most significant works of Finnish literature. The Kalevala inspired many subsequent Finnish composers, including Jean Sibelius, who used themes from the epic in his symphonic poem The Karelia Suite.

One of the main themes of the Kalevala is the quest for the Sampo, a magical mill that grinds out whatever one wishes. The characters in the epic use music and song to accomplish their goals. In one instance, the singer Väinämöinen (played by Jussi Björling in Sibelius’ opera) uses his magic songs to Competition against another singer, Joukahainen, for the hand of Louhi, the Witch Queen of Pohjola.

The music of the Kalevala has been passed down over generations through an oral tradition. It was not until recent years that researchers began to study and document this musical heritage. In 2007, a team of Finnish ethnomusicologists launched The Karelia Project, which aimed to collect and archive traditional Finnish folk music. Since then, The Karelia Project has released several recordings of traditional Finn folk music, helping to preserve this endangered musical tradition.

The Finnish Lullaby

Finnish folk music has a long history, dating back to the 13th century. The first written mention of Finnish folk music was in the 12th century, when a Swedish monk named Henry recorded a song called “Fågelvisan” (The Bird Song). Finnish folk music was also popular among the Swedish nobility in the 16th and 17th centuries. Indeed, many of the earliest Finnish folk songs were written by Swedish nobility living in Finland.

One of the most popular Finnish folk songs is “The Finnish Lullaby” (“Minä tulen kun tarpeeksi sitten”). This lullaby was written by an unknown author in the 19th century, but it quickly became one of the most beloved songs in Finland. The lullaby is often sung to babies and young children, and it has been translated into many different languages.

Another popular Finnish folk song is “The Cuckoo” (“Repon tieto”), which was written by Juhani Aho, one of Finland’s most famous authors. “The Cuckoo” is a lively song about a bird that comes to visit a small village every summer. The song is often sung at weddings and other happy occasions.

There are many other beautiful Finnish folk songs, including “The White Birch” (“Vaalea koivikko”), “The Forest Bride” (“Metsän neito”), and “The North Star” (“Tuulen tiellä”). These songs are all part of Finland’s rich musical heritage, and they continue to be enjoyed by people all over the world.

The Instruments of Finn Folk Music

The music of Finland is as varied as the geography and climate of the country. The music of the North is characterized by the use of the kantele, a plucked string instrument, while the music of the South relies heavily on the fiddle. In the East, the music is marked by its use of the joik, a traditional form of chanting.

The Kantele

The kantele is a Finnish zither with a long tradition and a central role in the country’s music culture. It is closely associated with the ancient epic poetry of the Kalevala, and was even used as a magical instrument in some of the stories. The kantele is played solo or in ensembles of various sizes, and each player usually has their own instrument. The largest kanteles have up to 38 strings, but most have between 5 and 36.

The kantele has a distinctive sound that is both bright and mellow, and its tunings can vary depending on the region or the type of music being played. Folk tunes are often in major keys, while classical pieces may be in minor keys or use more complex tuning schemes. The instrument is usually plucked with the fingers, but can also be strummed or bowed.

If you’re interested in trying your hand at playing the kantele, there are many resources available online. You can find instructional videos, PDFs of traditional tunes, and even software that can help you create your own music.

The Jouhikko

The jouhikko is a string instrument known for its distinctive sound, which has been used in Finnish folk music for centuries. The instrument is thought to have originated in the medieval period, and it is said to have been used by the Finnish people as early as the 13th century. The jouhikko is played with a bow, and it typically has three to five strings. The Jouhikko is considered to be one of the national instruments of Finland, and it is an important part of Finn folk music.

The Sounds of Finn Folk Music

Finn folk music has a wide range of sounds that can be enjoyed by everyone. From the traditional “rattle songs” to the more modern “jazz-influenced” tunes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Finn folk music is also unique in its use of instruments.

The Humppa

The humppa is a traditional Finnish folk dance and music style. It is usually danced to 2/4 or 4/4 time walz-rhythm music, and is often accompanied by accordion music. The name “humppa” comes from the Swedish word “humla”, which means to buzz or hum. The humppa was originally a slow and elegant dance, but over time it has evolved into a faster and more upbeat style.

The most well-known type of humppa is the “jenkka”, which originated in the city of Jyväskylä in central Finland. Jenkka is danced to a fast 3/4 time polka-rhythm, and is often accompanied by accordion or fiddle music. Jenkka was originally a men’s only dance, but over time it has become popular among both sexes. Another popular type of humppa is the “polkka”, which is also danced to a fast 3/4 time polka-rhythm. Polkka originates from the eastern part of Finland, and is often accompanied by fiddle music.

The Jenkka

The Jenkka is a Finnish folk dance and music genre that originated in the city of Nokia in the 18th century. The music is played with a fiddle, accordion, and end-blown flute. The Jenkka’s popularity peaked in the early 20th century, but it has experienced a revival in recent years.

The Jenkka is typically danced in pairs, holding hands and moving to the left and right. The dancers may also twirl each other or themselves. The steps are simple and easy to learn, making the Jenkka an ideal dance for beginners.

The music of the Jenkka is characterized by its catchy melodies and upbeat tempo. The lyrics often tell stories of love, loss, or betrayal.

If you’re interested in learning more about Finnish folk music, the Jenkka is a great place to start!

The Popularity of Finn Folk Music

Finn Folk Music has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and beautiful melodies. Finn Folk Music is a type of music that is native to the Finn people, who are an ethnic group in Finland. The music is typically performed with a variety of traditional instruments, such as the kantele, fiddle, and accordion.

Folk Festivals

Folk festivals are becoming more popular in Finland, with there being over 100 different festivals taking place annually. This is a great way to discover the beauty of Finn folk music, as well as to get a taste of the Finnish culture.

Some of the most popular folk festivals include the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival, the Oulu Music Festival, and the Turku Folk Music Festival. These festivals usually take place during the summer months, so be sure to check them out if you’re ever in Finland during that time!

Recordings

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Finn folk music, both in Finland and abroad. A number of Finnish artists have made recordings of traditional folk music, and these have proved to be very popular with music lovers.

Some of the most popular recordings of Finn folk music include:

The Poet and the Maiden (2012) by Juha Virrankoski and Pauliina Virrankoski
Finnish Folk Songs (2013) by Roima
Finnish Folk Music (2014) by Lauri Haavisto
Folk Songs from Finland (2015) by Jussi Björling

Conclusion

In conclusion, Finn folk music is a beautiful and unique genre that is definitely worth exploring. If you are a fan of folk music, or simply looking for something new to listen to, then I highly recommend checking out some of the artists and albums mentioned in this article. You might just find your new favorite type of music!