Toivo Kärki - composer

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Toivo Pietari Johannes Kärki (December 3, 1915 - April 30, 1992) was a Finnish composer, musician, pianist and producer. Kärki is mainly known as a prolific composer of Finnish tango, a modified version of the original Argentinian tango. He also composed in the Jenkka (pronounced [yeng-ka]) tradition, which is a Finnish folk dance. However, Kärki's original passion was jazz, particularly the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Louis Armstrong. It was this music that inspired him to participate in many songwriting competitions, and in 1939 he received the first prize from Rhythm Magazine in London. Kärki planned a migration to the United States, but the Finnish-Soviet Winter War later that same year changed his life forever. After the second world war, Kärki incorporated his strong passion for jazz as a professional, yet subtle, element in his firm dedication to write music for a wide audience. Kärki worked for several decades as a songwriter but was also as a prominent music publisher. He used his musicality, professionalism and knowledge to serve the convalescing Finnish audience by providing popular music of the highest quality. Today, Kärki is regarded as the father of Finnish Tango and one of the most influential craftsmen in the Finnish songwriting tradition. Together with his lyricists and several vocalists, mainly Reino Helismaa, Tapio Rautavaara, Olavi Virta, Kauko Käyhkö and Henry Theel, Kärki's legacy is the foundation of what is considered the Songbook of Finland.

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Scandinavian genius Toivo Kärki mirrors Weather Report

Here is a genius, Mr. Toivo Kärki, a completely unknown composer from the north, the European country of Finland. On his latest CD, "A Lark in the Snowstorm", fifteen songs are telling about down-to-earth activities in Life, the sad and happy stories. This is my cup of tea. But there's even... Full Story

Finland longs for happier songs. An identity crisis?

In a recent survey published by the Finnish Broadcasting Company, YLE, the general public of Finland longs for happier music, especially during the holidays. The country, which often defines itself as the home of Jean Sibelius, the cellphone... Full Story