Erkki Melartin (1875–1937) was a Finnish composer, conductor, and professor whose musical legacy, while shadowed during his lifetime by the towering figure of his contemporary Jean Sibelius, has gradually secured recognition for its distinct lyrical voice and rich texture. With a catalog of over one thousand works encompassing every classical genre of his time, Melartin's contribution has been significant in the Finnish and wider classical music canon. He was a visionary for his interest in Eastern philosophies and cultures, which influenced his compositional style adding an exotic flavor to his Western classical traditions.

Trained at the Helsinki Music Institute and later under the tutelage of Robert Fuchs in Vienna, Melartin's broad oeuvre includes six symphonies, several operas—of which "Aino" is noted, numerous chamber works, piano pieces, and a substantial body of songs that showcase his sensitive text setting and melodic gift. Teetering between late Romanticism and early modernism, Melartin's music, such as the richly Romantic Violin Concerto in D Minor and lushly orchestrated symphonies, encapsulates the transformative period of early 20th-century music. His works for male choir and solo piano depict the composer's mastery in smaller forms and are cherished for their delicate expressiveness. Posthumously, Melartin's music has been constantly revisited, with many recent releases including his complete symphonies and piano works, bringing his eloquent compositions to new generations of listeners and solidifying his place in the pantheon of Finnish composers.

Genres

Early Modern Classical

Finnish Classical

Latest Release

Erkki Melartin: Complete Works for Male Choir

Erkki Melartin

Album - 20 Tracks - Released January 6, 2023