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.
Sibelius : Finlandia-hymni
Ylioppilaskunnan Laulajat - YL Male Voice Choir 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 - YL Male Voice Choir's song "Sibelius : Finlandia-hymni" evoke a powerful sense of national pride and celebration for the country of Finland. The opening lines, "Oi, Suomi, katso, sinun päiväs' koittaa / Yön uhka karkoitettu on jo pois," suggest that the long and difficult night of struggle and oppression is finally over, and that a bright new day has dawned for the Finnish people. This sentiment is reinforced by the description of the morning lark singing in the brightness of dawn, which symbolizes the hope and optimism of a new day.
The rest of the lyrics continue in this celebratory vein, urging Finland to rise up and take its rightful place among the great nations of the world. This is expressed through the lines "Oi, nouse, Suomi, nosta korkealle / Pääs' seppelöimä suurten muistojen," which call on the country to reach new heights of achievement and honor the legacy of its great heroes and historical figures. Finally, the song concludes with a triumphant affirmation of Finland's newfound freedom and independence, declaring that "On aamus' alkanut, synnyinmaa" ("Your morning has begun, oh homeland").
Line by Line Meaning
Oi, Suomi, katso, sinun päiväs' koittaa
Oh, Finland, look, your day is dawning
Yön uhka karkoitettu on jo pois
The danger of the night has already been banished
Ja aamun kiuru kirkkaudessa soittaa
And the morning lark sings in bright tones
Kuin itse taivahan kansi sois'
As if the very canopy of heaven resounds
Yön vallat aamun valkeus jo voittaa
The darkness of the night is already overcome by the light of the morning
Sun päiväs' koittaa, oi synnyinmaa
Your day is dawning, oh homeland
Oi, nouse, Suomi, nosta korkealle
Oh, rise Finland, raise high
Pääs' seppelöimä suurten muistojen
Your head crowned with great memories
Oi, nouse, Suomi, näytit maailmalle
Oh, rise Finland, you showed to the world
Sa että karkoitit orjuuden
That you banished slavery
Ja ettet taipunut sa sorron alle
And that you did not yield to oppression
On aamus' alkanut, synnyinmaa
The morning has begun, homeland
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jean Sibelius
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind