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The Kalevala

Composer of the WeekFinnish Composers
Episode 3 of 5

Donald Macleod explores the importance of Finland's national epic poem the Kalevala for the country's music and identity.

The Kalevala, Finland's national epic poem, was compiled by Elias Lönnrot in 1835 and comprises some 50 songs and 22,795 verses. It established a basis for what was considered 'Finnish', and has proved a source of inspiration for composers from Sibelius to the present day. Donald Macleod and Tim Howell explore the importance of the Kalevala for Finnish music and identity.

1 hour

Last on

Wed 26 Oct 201118:30
BBC Radio 3

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Music Played

  • Selim Palmgren

    Mehiläinen [The Bee] for choir

    Conductor: Matti HYOKKI Performer: Helsinki University Chorus

    • Finlandia.
    • 3984-29711-2.

  • Uuno Klami

    Karelian rhapsody Op.15 for orchestra

    Conductor: Petri SAKARI Performer: Iceland S O

    • CHANDOS.
    • CHAN-9268.

  • Aulis Sallinen

    Kullervo - opera in 2 acts

    Conductor: Ulf SODERBLOM Performer: Vesa-Matti LOIRI - Singer Performer: Finnish National Opera Orchestra

    • Ondine.
    • ODE 78C-3T.

  • Uuno Klami

    Kalevala suite [Kalevala sarja] Op.23

    Conductor: John STORGARDS Performer: Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra

    • Ondine.
    • 1143-2.

Broadcasts

  • Wed 26 Oct 201112:00
    BBC Radio 3
  • Wed 26 Oct 201118:30
    BBC Radio 3

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