Fantasia chromatica
Trauermarsch
Five Concert Etudes
100 Chorale Preludes, Op. 59 (Selection)
Prelude and Fugue in E minor, Op. 35 (Mendelssohn arr. Merikanto)

This release of first recordings of works for organ by Finnish organist, pianist, music critic and composer Oskar Merikanto (1868-1924), marks the centenary of his death, on 17 February 1924. He was an important figure within the musical landscape of Finland as a teacher and organist, despite the fact that the brunt of his compositional output were miniatures. Many songs for solo voice, short-form piano and organ pieces. No concertos, symphonies, or tone poems - the complete antithesis to Sibelius for example. Nonetheless, and probably because he wrote more than 200 songs, his organ music is pleasingly melodious and gracefully harmonic in character. No strict counterpoint or virtuosic bombast anywhere in sight.

The majority of pieces on this CD, 45 altogether, are taken from his 100 Chorale Preludes, Op. 59 from 1905, and they are a prime example of this gift he had for simple yet lyrical melodies and rich harmonic detail. They were written to provide fodder for parish organists. The booklet notes point out: "What is interesting about these pieces is their emotional power. Merikanto wrote that he wanted organists to convey a range of emotions in their playing: joy, sorrow, doubt, hope, courage, elation, praise and gratitude." Most of them last just over one minute, with the longest being three minutes in duration. But in that short range of time he manages to wrap the intro, development and resolution all into one neat package. At the other end of the spectrum are his Five Concert Etudes extracted from his book titled: 'Pedal School - Complete Course in Pedal Technique'. And as intended, are meant to improve an organist's foot and pedal work.

The pipe organ used in this recording, is the main Organ at Tampere Cathedral, Finland. Originally built in 1907 by the Lahti Organ Factory, rebuilt in 1929 and finally fully restored in 2021 under the supervision of organist Jan Lethola. It suits the tonal palette of these pieces very well. The booklet notes go on to say that Jan Lethola is one of the most successful and progressive Finnish organists of his generation. In 2005 he completed a Doctorate with his dissertation on Oskar Merikanto. So I guess it goes without saying that Merikanto's music is well served by Lethola's deep and familiar understanding.

As I've said many times before ... all you pipe organ music enthusiasts out there who lament the fact that rarely is there something new or fresh to listen to well, here's a chance to hear music rarely performed and/or recorded.