page_title: Oskar Merikanto
section_title: Biography
hierarchical_section_title: Oskar Merikanto / Biography
context_page_description: Frans Oskar Merikanto was a Finnish musician and composer.
context_section_description: He was the son of Frans Ferdinand Kanto from Jalasjärvi, Southern Ostrobothnia. Frans got a Swedish-language surname, Mattsson, when he joined the Finnish army. He changed the name in 1882. Meri means "sea" and refers to his voyage from Vaasa to Helsinki; Kanto refers to his origins from the estate Kanto.
  He studied for some time at the Leipzig Conservatory in Germany, where his teachers were Carl Reinecke, Theodor Coccius, Robert Papperitz, Willy Rechenberg and Gustav Schreck.
  He was notable for his variety of talents – he gave concerts all around Finland, performing on the piano and organ, conducting orchestras, and composing original music. Some of his most beloved compositions are Där björkarna susa, and the waltz Kesäilta (Summer Evening Waltz).
  Merikanto's style is reminiscent of Finnish folk songs, but has its basis in Italian bel canto.
  He died in Hausjärvi-Oitti.
  His son Aarre Merikanto is also one of the most notable Finnish composers.
caption: Portrait of Merikanto by Albert Gebhard [fi] in 1903
exif: {}