Oskar Merikanto Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Waltz, lentoOskar Merikanto1rank/position

[Beautiful Pieces Recommended for Early-Intermediate Piano Players] Valse Lente [Merikanto] / Valse lente: Merikanto

Composed in 1898 by Finnish composer Oskar Merikanto, this piece captivates with its graceful and elegant atmosphere.

Structured in an A–B–A ternary form, it features a gentle melody in the A section, contrasted strikingly by the B section, which modulates to G minor and introduces a chordal melody that brings rich color and motion.

Merikanto’s sensibility—shaped by Finnish folk songs and natural landscapes—emerges in the beautiful melodies and tranquil rhythms.

A popular choice for piano recitals and concerts, it invites listeners to envision Nordic scenery while being enveloped in its tender sonorities.

Idyll, Op. 73, No. 1Oskar Merikanto2rank/position

Merikanto: Pastoral, Op. 73 No. 1

Composed in 1910, this piano miniature by Oskar Merikanto is a lovely work whose gentle sonority in B-flat major soothes the soul.

Its clear, transparent melody—so characteristic of a Finnish composer—and its simple yet rich harmonic progressions weave a sound world filled with serene beauty, evocative of a Nordic summer twilight.

Structured in ternary form, the piece presents a tender opening theme that takes on a touch of shading in the middle section before returning to a tranquil glow.

In Japan, it became widely known through Izumi Tateno’s album “Summer Evening – Music of Oskar Merikanto,” and it has continued to be cherished ever since its 1990 CD release.

Why not step away from the busyness of daily life and listen to it leisurely in the quiet of evening?

Two Impromptus, Op. 44Oskar Merikanto3rank/position

Oskar Merikanto – 2 Impromptus Op. 44 (audio + sheet music)

Born in Helsinki, Finland, Oskar Merikanto was a multifaceted musician—pianist, organist, and conductor—who studied at the Leipzig Conservatory and in Berlin between 1887 and 1891.

His Two Impromptus, Op.

44 for solo piano, composed in 1902, are among his popular works.

These impromptus call for a romantic, emotionally rich performance and employ an expressive approach spiritually close to Finnish folk songs.

The first piece has a melancholic character imbued with deep feeling, while the second is lively, rhythmic, and cheerful.

One is inspired to perform them with delicate tone and touch, conjuring the beautiful scenery of the Nordic lands.

This moving work is highly recommended for all piano learners to play.

Kesailta (Summer evening), Op. 1Oskar Merikanto4rank/position

Kesailta (Summer evening) , Op. 1

This is “Kesäilta (Summer Evening), Op.

1” by the Finnish composer Oskar Merikanto, who was active from the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century.

It conjures up images of European summer scenes.

Overall, it’s a very sunny, cheerful piece.

The mysterious atmosphere that appears when the music suddenly swells toward the end makes the work even more compelling.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yoimachi Jēn

Report a problem

Pikku Anja’s Life, Op. 112, No. 4: “Story”Oskar Merikanto5rank/position

Oskar Merikanto: Kertomus Op 112, No 4 Clark Bryan, piano

Oskar Merikanto is one of the composers who best represents Nordic Finland.

His gently soaring melodies and warmly colored harmonies make you feel as if you’ve wandered into the pages of a picture book.

“Pikku Anjan elämästä, Op.

112” is a piano suite of six pieces themed around a child’s everyday life.

Each piece brims with narrative character, evoking scenes of innocent play and moments of family togetherness.

The fourth piece, as if capturing a single scene from a story, is notable for its melody set in a relaxed triple meter.

It’s a charming yet deeply flavorful work that stirs the listener’s imagination.

Gentle Waltz, Op. 33Oskar Merikanto6rank/position

Merikanto, Oskar: Gentle Waltz, Op. 33, pf Konno, Naomi

Oskar Merikanto, who was born in Finland to Swedish parents, was a multitalented musician who also performed as a pianist, presenting his own solo piano pieces.

His Gentle Waltz, Op.

33, published in 1898, is characterized by a leisurely tempo and a romantic atmosphere.

It is a beautiful work that evokes calm and sentimental feelings in listeners.

Conveying the spirit of Nordic nature, the piece is widely appreciated by piano students and music lovers alike.

Album Leaves, Op. 3: No. 5 “Andante con espressione”Oskar Merikanto7rank/position

O. Merikanto: Andante con espressione (Träumerei), Op. 3. no. 5

Oskar Merikanto, a Finnish composer from Scandinavia, is known as a versatile musician who was also active as a pianist, organist, and conductor.

No.

5 from Album Leaves, Op.

3—one of Merikanto’s early works—is characterized by its gentle, lyrical melody.

It carries a dreamy, meditative atmosphere that brings peace and refreshment to the listener.

I highly recommend this gem not only to those familiar with classical music, but to anyone seeking a quiet moment away from the bustle of daily life.