Finnish music has burgeoned in the 1980s and 90s, with names like Värttinä and JPP becoming well known on the World Music scene. Finland's musicians combine tradition with bold experimentation, from the intoxicating vocals of Värttinä to the electrifying accordian of Kimmo Pohjonen. Fiona Talkington, presenter of Radio 3's Late Junction, claims to have been bewitched by an ancient Finnish spell. She is a regular visitor to the Kaustinen midsummer festival.Listen to the whole programme (16'35) or click on any of the tracks to the left.
Äijö by Värttinä album: Ilmatar Wicklow Full frontal Finnish electricity from the country's 'number one band'.
Hidas katrillisikermä! by by JPP album: Huutokatrilli Kansanmusiikki-instituti Fiddling for midnight dancers in JPP's home town of Kaustinen.
Siks' oon mä suruinen by Olavi Virta album: Finnischer Tango Trikont The tango is Finnish! And Olavi Virta is the Finnish Tango King.
Kaamos by Maria Kalaniemi album: Ahma Rockadillo The elder stateswoman of the accordian, at her lyrical best.
Vallinkorvan Laulu by Martti Pokela album: The Old and New Kantele ARC Music A leader in the revival of the ancient stringed instrument, the kantele.
