FMQ 2/2012

Pianist and piano teacher Matti Raekallio reflects in the FMQ issue 2/2012 on the International Maj Lind Piano Competition 2012, held in Helsinki, where he will be a jury member.

Iiro Rantala led Finland’s most popular jazz combo for almost two decades. Trio Töykeät is history, but the pianist’s solo album Lost Heroes gave his career a new boost.

The role of keyboards in folk music has changed over the last few decades. The folk musicians of today really like to manhandle the traditional harmonium and the piano has finally made an entrance as an instrument for playing folk music. More and more keyboard players are stepping out as soloists.

Heinz-Juhani Hofmann has attracted attention with vocal works addressing troublesome subjects. His no-holds-barred naturalism relishes contrasts and extremities.