Jean Sibelius’ arrangements of “Finnish Folk Songs” for piano were first published in print in 1903. Initially, Sibelius had planned to arrange the songs for string orchestra. Why he changed his plans is unknown. It is also unclear whether Sibelius worked only on the melodies in his compositions, or whether he also had the lyrics of the songs “in mind” while composing. At the time of composition, the melodies of the folk songs used were probably relatively well known in Finland. Today they give ...

• 1. Minun kultani (My Beloved)
• 2. Sydämestäni rakastan (I Love You with All My Heart)
• 3. Ilta tulee, ehtoo joutuu (Evening Comes)
• 4. Tuopa tyttö, kaunis tyttö kanteletta soittaa (That Beautiful Girl [Plays the Kantele])
• 5. Velisurmaaja (The Fratricide)
• 6. Häämuistelma (Wedding Memory)