The Finlandia hymn (Finnish: Finlandia-hymni) refers to a serene hymn-like section of the patriotic symphonic poem Finlandia, written in 1899 and 1900 by the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. It was later re-worked by the composer into a stand-alone piece.[1] With words written in 1940 by Veikko Antero Koskenniemi,[2] it is one of the most important national songs of Finland. Although not the official national anthem of Finland, it has been continuously proposed as such.[3]
Other major uses of the tune include several Christian hymns and other national songs.
- ^ "Hymn Tune Finlandia". Hymnary.org.
- ^ "Finlandia". Sibelius.
- ^ Koponen, Paavo (8 December 2014). "Sibeliuksen Finlandia syntyi vapauden kaipuusta, sävelet kertovat Suomen kansan noususta" [Sibelius's Finland was born of a longing for freedom, the melody tells of the rise of the Finnish people]. Yle (in Finnish).