Nearly every country has a flag, an anthem, and often a national bird or animal, but only Finland has an official ‘soundscape,’ a suite of 15 compositions inspired by the country, its people and their characteristics.
The music, commissioned from composer Lauri Porra, is based on musical memories he has relied on to alleviate homesickness in his travels abroad. In a press release from the Finnish government, he said “I missed the four seasons, the way light and colour work there, and the calmness and space. I started to create musical snapshots of Finland that I could listen to on my trips, in order to relax and create a little Finnish bubble around me.”
Called Ääniä (Eng. Sounds), the soundscape was unveiled at Finnish embassies around the world on Independence Day, 6 December. It is available online here.
Finnish officials responsible for country branding hope that series of compositions creates an image of a country that brings together serenity and proximity to nature on one hand, and is also intended to increase awareness of Finnish culture.
