Finnish Folk Song With Variations (Op. 21) was based on the Finnish folk melody Alä Itke Aitini (Don t Cry My Mother) and scored for solo Piano. Oskar Merikanto (1868-1924) wasa Finnish pianist organist and composer. Having studied in Leipzig and Berlin he took a full time position as an organist and teacher in Helsinki where he remained until his death. He is best known for his three operas whichwere the first operas to be written in the Finnish language. However his contribution to Finnish folk music is perhaps even greater: the depth and warmth of his addition to this genre are indicative of his wider musical prowess.
