Special Feature 2/ 2020:
The extraordinary importance of music in extraordinary times
In this Special Feature, we consider the roles that music may play in exceptional circumstances. We asked musicians and music makers to tell us about music that is important to them and what music has meant to them in difficult times. We also explore the importance of music at transition points in life from the perspective of music psychology and examine what statistics on music listening look like in these troubled times.
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Pioneers of African music in Finland, part 1:
Envoys of Afro-pop
The African music scene in Finland began to evolve in major cities in the 1980s and 1990s, and some of the pioneering musicians who contributed to its genesis are still active in the field today. Ethnomusicologist Elina Seye discusses the early days of African-style popular music in Finland, characterised principally by influences from Senegalese and Congolese dance music.
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Sounds of summer in Finland in 2020
At first it looked like all summer festivals would be lost this year, but now that restrictions are being eased, there are signs of revitalisation everywhere, and the field of culture is no exception. In the wake of a string of cancellation announcements, streaming events and live concerts for limited audiences are being prepared near and far. While this is a classic case of ‘watch this space for further developments’, what is Finland’s exceptional classical music festival summer looking like as of now?
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Sarah Palu and the inner self reflected in music
Finnish-French composer-musician Sarah Palu touches a deep chord in the soul with her début album Ikivirta [Everflow]. It is a journey through soundscapes featuring a multitude of musical influences, but always connected by a scarlet thread. Palu plays the kantele and the harp, and what she finds fascinating in music are the connection to her inner self on the one hand and connections between people on the other.
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Antti Lötjönen steps out of the shadows
Free bass
Bassist Antti Lötjönen is one of the busiest Finnish jazz players, having played on well over 100 records, and in dozens of groups. His solo debut was released in April, just a day before Lötjönen turned 40. This summer, touring will have to wait, but Lötjönen doesn’t mind the breather. In Wif Stenger’s interview, the bassist talks about his music and team playing.
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Aspects of shared visions in music:
Joining voices
Shared authorship, dialogue, positive questioning and new kinds of cooperation. Our Special Feature 1/2020 addresses manifestations of collective creativity and authorship in music at a time when humanity perhaps more than ever needs to be able to work together and to adapt to new and unknown.
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Music emerging from the coronavirus crisis
"Structures in the music sector are struggling, and the very ways in which we make, perform and experience music are shifting. But what have music professionals learned from the crisis so far? What are the things to which we should be paying attention? And what should we do next?"
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From the Archives (1985–2005)
FMQ began life as a printed magazine – the Finnish Music Quarterly – in 1985. Until 2005, its articles were only available in hard copy.
Selected articles from our back catalogue have been posted online, and the selection is continuously being added to.
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