Composer

:

Oskar Merikanto

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Fantasy

Compose Date

:

ca. 1899

Average_duration

:

9:33

Fantasia and Chorale Suomi surussa is a composition by Oskar Merikanto, a Finnish composer, pianist, and conductor. The piece was composed in 1900 and premiered on December 16, 1900, in Helsinki, Finland. The composition is divided into two movements, the first being a Fantasia and the second a Chorale. The Fantasia is a lively and energetic movement that showcases Merikanto's skill as a pianist. The movement is characterized by its fast-paced arpeggios and virtuosic runs, which are contrasted by slower, more contemplative sections. The Fantasia is also notable for its use of folk melodies, which are woven into the fabric of the piece. The Chorale, on the other hand, is a more somber and reflective movement. The piece is based on a Finnish hymn, "Suomi surussa," which translates to "Finland in sorrow." The Chorale is characterized by its slow, mournful melody, which is played in the upper register of the piano. The piece gradually builds in intensity, with the melody becoming more complex and the harmonies more dissonant. The Chorale ends with a quiet, contemplative coda, which brings the piece to a peaceful conclusion. Overall, Fantasia and Chorale Suomi surussa is a powerful and emotional composition that showcases Merikanto's skill as a composer and pianist. The piece is notable for its use of folk melodies and its evocative portrayal of Finland's national identity.

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