The Kaleval, the Finnish national epic, has been a major source of national self-esteem and inspiration in Finnish culture and art ever since it was first published. Its ancient poetry has variously fired the political ambitions of a young nation and generated dazzling artistic vistas that delve into its shamanistic depths.
This is first book ever to explore the impact ot the poetry of the Kalevala on Finnish music, including jazz and the diverse forms of popular music. The articles cover a wide span of influences and processes from Sibelius to the "Kalevala metal" of the new millennium.