From Käkisalmi to the Heights —Erkki Melartin

The exhibition presents a wealth of authentic material from private collections. The exhibition includes photographs, bookplates, sheet music covers, various editions of aphorism collections, as well as personal objects and paintings. The exhibition also includes a library corner from Melartini’s Pukinmäki villa, and two portraits painted by artist Kaarlo Atra.

Melartini’s love of his homeland is strongly highlighted in the exhibition. The landscapes of Käkisalmi – forest ponds, the starry sky and familiar places such as Ostamojärvi – served as an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the composer.

Erkki Melartini had significant international networks. He was very fluent in languages ​​and travelled to almost all European countries, but also to Egypt, India, Africa and the Palestinian peninsula. Through cosmopolitanism and hobbies, the exhibition presents Melartin and his era from the late 19th century to the late 1930s.

The exhibition is accompanied by a 16-minute documentary about Melartin. It tells and discusses the composer of the jubilee year, his music and his life destiny.

Melartin's own words describe his relationship to work and the world: "It's wonderful to be able to completely immerse yourself in your work, forget everything and soar high and high." The exhibition invites visitors to the same world - to experience the composer's life, music and spiritual legacy.