Since its birth, YL has recognised its responsibility in commissioning, performing and recording Finnish and foreign choral music. Most of Jean Sibelius’ most famous works for male choir were commissioned and premiered by YL. Today the choir is known as Sibelius’ natural standard-bearer and a pioneer of contemporary music. Einojuhani Rautavaara is one of the contemporary composers who have dedicated many works for YL.
YL gives concerts regularly all around Finland and vigorously exports Finnish art to the European, American and Asian continents. In addition to its versatile a cappella repertoire YL performs works for accompanied male choir with the worlds’ most noteworthy orchestras and conductors. Numerous famous soloists of classical and popular music have made guest appearances in the choir’s concerts and on its recordings. YL’s Christmas concerts have become an important tradition for both the choir and the audience; each year the concerts bring about 12 000 listeners to the churches of Helsinki.
YL is conducted by Doctor of Music Matti Hyökki.
Finlandia-hymni
Ylioppilaskunnan Laulajat Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yön uhka karkoitettu on jo pois
Ja aamun kiuru kirkkaudessa soittaa
Kuin itse taivahan kansi sois
Yön vallat aamun valkeus jo voittaa
Sun päiväs koittaa, oi synnyinmaa
Oi nouse, Suomi, nosta korkealle
Oi nouse, Suomi, näytit maailmalle
Sa että karkoitit orjuuden
Ja ettet taipunut sa sorron alle
On aamus alkanut, synnyinmaa
The lyrics of Ylioppilaskunnan Laulajat's Finlandia-hymni are deeply patriotic and hopeful. The song speaks of the dawn of a new day for Finland, with the threat of darkness and oppression having finally lifted. The morning lark sings in the brightness of a sky that seems to stretch forever. This imagery suggests that Finland is free from the shackles of its past and is now poised to rise to greatness.
The chorus of the hymn calls on Finland to rise up and honor its great history. The country is encouraged to elevate itself to a position of strength and honor, befitting the mighty accomplishments of its forebears. The lyrics praise Finland for casting off the yoke of oppression and not bending to the forces of tyranny. The song concludes on a note of triumph and new beginnings, as the morning has come and Finland is ready to embrace the future.
Line by Line Meaning
Oi Suomi, katso, sinun päiväs koittaa
Oh Finland, look, your day is dawning
Yön uhka karkoitettu on jo pois
The threat of night has already been banished
Ja aamun kiuru kirkkaudessa soittaa
And the morning lark sings in brightness
Kuin itse taivahan kansi sois
As if the canopy of the heavens were singing
Yön vallat aamun valkeus jo voittaa
The powers of night have already been defeated by the morning light
Sun päiväs koittaa, oi synnyinmaa
Your day is dawning, oh motherland
Oi nouse, Suomi, nosta korkealle
Oh rise, Finland, lift high
Pääs seppelöimä suurten muistojen
Your head to be adorned with great memories
Oi nouse, Suomi, näytit maailmalle
Oh rise, Finland, you showed the world
Sa että karkoitit orjuuden
That you banished oppression
Ja ettet taipunut sa sorron alle
And that you did not yield to tyranny
On aamus alkanut, synnyinmaa
The morning has begun, motherland
Contributed by Lauren F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.