Chapter 20. Finnish Music in Superiorland

Audio Examples

Säkkijärven Polka
The Finnish polka repertoire includes many tunes in minor keys, the result, perhaps, of Russian musical influences. This song exalts the beauty of Karelia, a territory of ethnic Finns just east of Finland, which remains a part of Russia and the town of Säkkijärven, which was ceded to Russia after the war. According to Bill Kangas, " Säkkijärven Polka" was used during the Russo-Finnish Wars of 1938 and 1941-44. During a crucial point in the war, the Finns are said to have played this song for three days straight. Performed by Glenn Lahti (accordion), LeRoy Lahti (accordion), Bill Kangas (drums and vocals).
(Smithsonian Folkways Recordings album #40088 1998)

Maailman Matti
This song is attributed to Hiski Saaloma, a Finnish immigrant to Northern Michigan, a tailor with a talent for writing topical songs that reflected his leftist views. A master of irony, Hiski humorously glorifies the Finnish itinerant worker - Matti, the man of the world. Performed by Glenn Lahti (accordion), LeRoy Lahti (accordion), Bill Kangas (drums and vocals). (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings album #40088 1998)

Finn Polka
The two accordions played by the Lahti brothers and Mari Mattson's violin expertly compliment each other on this polka tune played at the fast 2/4 tempo favored by Finnish-American polka dancers.
Performed by Glenn Lahti (accordion), LeRoy Lahti (accordion), Bill Kangas (drums) and Marie Matteson (violin).
(Smithsonian Folkways Recordings album #40088 1998)

The audio excerpts heard here and were compiled, annotated and produced by Richard March and released on a Smithsonian Folkways Recording titled Deep Polka : Dance Music from the Midwest. The notes included here were taken from the liner notes also written by Richard March which accompany the recording.

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