Finland’s Folk Music Scene

If you’re a fan of folk music, you’ll definitely want to check out Finland’s scene. From traditional Finnish tunes to more modern interpretations, there’s something for everyone. And with so many great venues and festivals to choose from, you’ll always have a great time.

Introduction to Finland’s folk music scene

Finnish folk music has a long history and a rich tradition. There are many different styles of folk music, from the simple and plaintive tunes of the early peasantry to the more complex and refined music of the later urban classes. Folk music was an important part of Finnish culture, and it played a significant role in the formation of the Finnish national identity.

Finnish folk music has been influenced by many different cultures, including Swedish, German, Russian, and Italian. The most important influence on Finnish folk music, however, came from the Baltic countries. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a new form of Finnish folk music began to develop, influenced by the Baltic countries and other Nordic countries. This new style of folk music became known as “runo song” or “folk song”.

Runo song was usually sung in a slow, melancholy style, and it often told stories of love, loss, and death. The lyrics were often very poetic, and they were often set to traditional melodies. Runo song was very popular in the early 20th century, and it was often performed by professional singers. Many famous Finnish composers, such as Jean Sibelius, were inspired by runo song when they were creating their own works.

Today, Finnish folk music is still very popular, both in Finland and abroad. There are many different Folk Music festivals held throughout Finland each year, where people can enjoy listening to traditional folk music as well as more modern interpretations of it.

The history of Finnish folk music

Finnish folk music has its roots in the music of the Finnish people, who are traditionally divided into regioms and sub-regions based on geography and dialect. While there are some commonalities between these regions, there is also a great deal of variation.

The earliestfolk music was influenced by Scandinavian and Germanic traditions, as well as the music of the Byzantine Empire and the Orthodox Church. This can be heard in some of the oldest Finnish folk songs, which are often ballads or hymns.

In the 16th century, Finnish folk music began to incorporate elements from other European countries, particularly Italy and France. This can be heard in the work of composer Janne Rautavaara, who was born in Finland in 1620. Rautavaara’s music is characterized by its use of modal scales, minor keys, and chromaticism.

During the 18th century, Finnish folk music underwent a period of stagnation due to foreign invasions and political unrest. However, in the 19th century, a new wave of interest in traditional Finnish music emerged, led by composers such as Jean Sibelius and Toivo Kuula. This period also saw a renewed interest in the music of other Nordic countries, particularly Sweden and Norway.

The 20th century was a time of great change for Finnish folk music. Traditional instruments such as the kantele (a type of zither) were replaced by more modern instruments such as the accordion and violin. New genres such as tango and foxtrot became popular, while older ones such as waltz fell out of fashion. In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in traditional Finnish folk music, led by artists such as Maria Kalaniemi and Kimmo Pohjonen.

The different types of Finnish folk music

Finnish folk music has undergone a roots revival in recent years, with a growing interest in traditional Finnish music and instruments. The music is dominated by the kantele, a type of zither, as well as the fiddle, and accordion. Folk music is often played at weddings and other festive occasions.

The different types of Finnish folk music include:
-Wedding music: This is typically upbeat and lively, intended to get the guests dancing.
-Work songs: These are used to help pass the time while performing manual labor, and often have a topical message or story.
-Sauna songs: These are sung while relaxing in a sauna, and often deal with topics such as nature, love, or nostalgia.
-Lullabies: These are sung to help babies (and sometimes adults) fall asleep.
-Children’s songs: These are typically playful and upbeat, intended to entertain young children.

The instruments used in Finnish folk music

Finnish folk music has been influenced by the music of its neighbors, Sweden and Norway, as well as by the Germanic minuet and ballad traditions. The instruments used in Finnish folk music include the kantele (a plucked string instrument with a long neck and 5-38 strings), the fiddle, various flutes, various horns, the pedal steel guitar, and the jouhikko (a bowed lyre).

The popularity of Finnish folk music

Finnish folk music has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with several young performers helping to lead the way. There are a number of reasons for this, including a growing interest in tradition and a desire to connect with one’s roots.

Finnish folk music is rich and varied, with each region of the country having its own unique traditions. While some of the music may sound familiar to those from other parts of Europe, there are also distinctive elements that make it uniquely Finnish. For example, the kantele, a type of zither, is a major part of Finnish folk music.

If you’re interested in exploring Finnish folk music, there are a number of ways to do so. You can attend a concert or festival, go on a guided tour, or even take lessons from a local musician. Whichever option you choose, you’re sure to enjoy this beautiful and evocative music.

The influence of Finnish folk music on other genres

Finnish folk music has had a significant impact on other genres, particularly on rock and popular music. In the 1960s and 1970s, Finnish band Päivi Pika-Penta and her group Pentti Lasanen popularized the humppa, a Finnish folk dance, which influenced many American and British bands who adopted it into their own repertoire. More recently, Finnish folk music has been taken up by a number of metal bands, including Finntroll, Ensiferum, Korpiklaani, and Moonsorrow, who use traditional folk instruments such as the kantele and jouhikko in their music.