Title: Nulla dies sine linea
Description: This dissertation concerns Erkki Melartin (1875-1937), the Finnish composer who strongly influenced the musical life of Finland at the beginning of the twentieth century. Through a series of articles plus a monograph, Melartin's various roles are explored within the social context of Finland's cultural life. Melartin was a conductor as well as a composer. He was also a long-term director of a conservatory, a teacher of music theory and composition, and a leading member of several professional organisations. In the course of these activities, he followed closely cultural trends in the Nordic countries and central Europe. Erkki Melartin lived at an extraordinary time in history. Through this research, it has been possible to deepen the historical understanding of musical phenomena during his lifetime and their connections, collusions, influences, reception and social restrictions.

Methodologies of music and reception history have been used for this purpose as have those of general history, cultural history and microhistory. Through extensive investigation of primary sources, substantial new information has been obtained about Finland's musical life and its institutional structures, music education, local musical communities and cultural trends. The first article deals with the beginning stages of Melartin's career from the perspective of Sibelius' influence and with the activities of the authorised Sibelius conductor, Robert Kajanus. A musician who dominated Finnish musical life for an exceptionally long period, Kajanus, in Melartin's estimation, deliberately obstructed the latter's career. The second article concentrates on Melartin's activities and professional pursuits during the Viborg years, 1908-1911. Melartin's role in developing the Viborg Symphony Orchestra and arts education in general is treated as a microhistorical study. Attention is given to his Karelian identity, his family background and the social environment. In addition, his contacts with the musical life of St. Petersburg have been investigated and the significance of these connections evaluated.
Subjects: Influence, Criticism and interpretation, Composers, Biography
Places: Finland
People: Erkki Melartin