Merikanto, Aarre (1893–1958)

Finnish composer. His opera Juha (1922) has been successfully revived, suggesting an individual style that recalls Janáček.

He studied with Max Reger and others at Leipzig and with Sergey Vasilenko at Moscow. He later became professor at the Helsinki Conservatory.

Works Stage the opera Juha (1922, staged 1963); ballet The Abduction of Kylliki (on a subject from the Kalevala).

Orchestral three symphonies (1916, 1918, 1953), variations and fugue and several suites for orchestra; four violin concertos (1916–54), three piano concertos, two cello concertos, concerto for violin, clarinet, horn, and strings.

Other partita for woodwind and harp; choral works; folk-song arrangements.