Kalevi Kiviniemi plays "Finlandia" by Jean Sibelius

Kalevi Kiviniemi plays Finlandia op. 26 by Jean Sibelius at Tampere Cathedral, Tampere, Finland. This video was edited and published on 8th December 2015, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Jean Sibelius.
Tampere Cathedral was designed by the architect Lars Sonck and it was built in 1902-1907. The famous frescoes, decorations and stained glass paintings were made by the Finnish symbolist painter Hugo Simberg.
The main organ of Tampere Cathedral was made by Kangasala Organ Builders in 1929. It has pneumatic action and stop action. With 68 stops it is one of the biggest organs in Finland. Some of the pipes are from the organ builders Walcker and Cavaillé-Coll.
Audio, video, editing and description by Mika Koivusalo, on 8th December 2015.

[@laurancedavis4618]

I just came across this great organist upon reading of his passing. 😢 What a great arrangement and performance he did. RIP, Maestro Kiviniemi. 🙏🌹

[@markrocovich2234]

Why am I not surprised that a Finn can interpret Sibelieus' work with such verve?? This should be the definitive example of Finlandia for the ages...Thank you, Maestro....

[@jacksong6226]

I don’t know about definitive because I think the 1930 leopold stowoski recording takes that, it was done a mere weeks after the stock market crashed and things went down hill and you can really hear it. That said this is a magnificent recording and has a lot of work put in and it shows

[@crazyjoedavola7493]

Rest In Peace Kalevi Kiviniemi.

[@formerblueberet5621]

My finnish is not anymore good enough to express the magnitude of this performance, Kalevi you play from your inner heart and soul absolutely the best performance on Jean Sibelius masterpiece I have heard! He would be very proud of you playing this my best wishes and blessings to you from Canada !

[@adeyemioyenekan1765]

He did a wonderful job, it was a masterful performance. Long live Finland and may the memory of Jean Sibelius be for a blessing.

[@Derbixrace]

Rest in peace kalevi, this piece is how i found you and yet you went away, i wish you the best wherever you went!

[@ariebertversteeg4347]

Absolute Masterpiece played on the soil of the country where it came from by a Master on the most beautifull instrument that can play for a full orchestra! Thank you so much for sharing the heart of Finlandia in its utmost unique atmosphere ! ! ! Greetings from the Netherlands by Arie Bert Versteeg.

[@TamarinPamarin]

And that is how you clean out the dust from the pipes. Well done.

[@MrTransalpin]

Nice pièce from Jean Sibelius tranlated for king of musical instruments ! Beautiful console !

[@MacyMabelle]

As usual, this performance of maestro Kiviniemi, is absolutely breathtaking, earthmoving and ravishing. I highly recommend his concerts and especially his improvisations live, because I guarantee, they are extraordinary.

[@karinalidakihle3535]

my opinion is that this finish organist must be one the greatest organ-performer ever!

[@johannessilver8653]

I think he was selected so in KZbin and also via some other criteria.

[@johnferguson8993]

Fabulous! A stunning rendition, thank you.

[@50AHenry]

Wonderful - truly wonderful. Thank you ! ! !

[@johannessilver8653]

So grand version....of the masterpiece music. Finally found a performance done with the finest music instrument in North Europe. Have to listen to this several times in a row. I wait Kalevi to play Widor Toccata too....Bombarde 32' stop pedal sound (Cavaille-Coll ?) is massive. With good headphones which can repeat bass and low frequencies this sounds so rich and powerful. The Hymn part melody with Flauto Traverso 8' (+ Voce Celeste 8' + Salicionale 8'+ Flauto Camino 8') makes one cry...and bass (Bordone 8' + Unda Maris 8') is perfect and in the finale (Bordone Amabile 16´+ Subasso 16' + Fugara 16' + Bordone Grande 32'). Sad news in 4.4.2024....maestro passed away...RIP.

[@wotan9630]

Such beauty! I am sure I heard angels singing in the hymn-like middle section. It was unearthly sound. Oh my God!!

[@eddiewillers86]

Beautiful piece. Beautiful arrangement. Brilliant performance

[@RaimoLaukkonen-lm8yq]

Kiitos Kalevi soitoistasi ! Veteraaneille Finlandia.

[@mtsutro]

The beauty of this music is complimented so well by the visuals cut in of the architecture and murals. Fantastic.

[@josephfranceski1041]

I love this performance. Kiviniemi is a great artist.

[@daphnekivinen9482]

I am wishing that I could visit Finland again. I haven't stayed in touch with my maternal grandmother's family. I visited in 1993 and it felt like home. This music is special! Thank you!

[@jaredcroal804]

Masterful playing and a spectacular instrument!! Well done!

[@gabosz8649]

that's a majestic piece. it would be an epic anthem for any country, especially Finland

[@musicandvoice9244]

Outrageous - brilliant technical skills and registration - utterly superb. Thank you very much for sharing this.

[@charlesdavis7087]

Dear Kalevi ; You really know how to make a great work come alive. Thanks for sharing you great heart with all of us around the world.

[@francobonanni3499]

A powerful sound that only the organ can give in the hands of a genius. Sibelius here is a master of musical sound. What he capture here is the soul of Finnish people ...not even his Symphonies or so glorious. Love Sibelius love this artist.

[@ReaganReese]

Thanks for uploading!!

[@christinewasstrom1429]

Wow, that’s really amazing!

[@MacyMabelle]

Rest in peace Kalevi Kiviniemi 1958-2024. Thank You for the Music.

[@johannessilver8653]

Yes....and all the great organ performances including this plus videos plus work for Lahti Organ Festival. Hope someone will play an organ tribute to you.

[@danielmkubacki]

Well played!

[@johansoderberg9579]

You make absolutely clear that sisu and holy spirit has much common. Great artwork in that cathedral. I must go to Tammerfors. I must get blessed with a consert by you as well somewhere.

[@KreuzbergerNaechte]

What a masterpiece! Thank you!

[@willowsloughdx]

Dude, this is over the top. Sibelius would have passed out on the snow if he heard this.

[@fautam]

WOW!! This is brilliant! My wife is a performing organist in South Africa. I would love for her to play this at concerts. Is there any possibility of getting the sheet music of this arrangement? We will pay the necessary.

[@johannessilver8653]

I also like this version with these organs. I guess that maybe Kalevi can directly help you with the organ version sheets and give ideas how to register too. He seems to be an active performer but does not need any sheets to do this as you see.

[@fautam]

@@johannessilver8653 I hope that Kalevi has the sheet music. My wife has a DMUS degree in organ performance so I think she’ll be fine with registration, but it would be wonderful to have the score of this transcription to be able to play it in South Africa.

[@RechtsstaatBRD]

wow what a hot munster that instrument is and what a good player! and a good room for the sound!

[@warblerab2955]

He can do that pretty well. beautiful sounding organ too.

[@charleslayton9463]

What a marvelous-sounding instrument. Maestro works his magic both with the music and with the registration! This was a fairly restrained, yet very powerful rendering of Finlandia. I could have wished that he had opened up the organ a little more at the end, but Maestro Kiviniemi knew that would go from power to bombast. What an interesting instrument. I'd love to learn more about it. I'm grateful that it remains unaltered from its pneumatic origins. Having only 4 preset pistons also contributed, I'm sure, to the restrained registration. Could someone post the specification for it?

[@anssihirvonen360]

+Charles Layton The organ of Tampere Cathedral, Tampere, Finland Made by: Kangasalan Urkutehdas, 1929. DISPOSITIO I man Principale 16' Principale 8' Principale minore 8' Ottava 4' Ottava 2' Mixtura 2 2/3+2+1 1/3+1 Corno camoscio 8' Flauto 8' Bordone 8' Flauto doppio 4' Cornetto 8+4+2 2/3+2+1 3/5 Tuba 8' Corno' Clarino 4' II man Principale 8' Flauto armonico 8' Quintaten 8' Unda maris 8' Bordone 8' Dulce 8' Bordone 16' Dulciana 4' Flauto traverso 4' Corno camoscio 4' Quinta 2 2/3 Piccolo 2' Terza 1 3/5 Settima 1 1/7 Cimbalo 2+1+½ Corno di bassetto 16' Tromba 8' Clarinetto 8' Vox humana 8' Corno armonico 4' Tremolo III man Principale 8' Ottava minore 4' Flauto traverso 8' Flauto camino 8' Camba 8' Camba vibrato 8' Salicionale 8' Voce celeste 8' Corno notte 4' Violino 4' Flauto ottaviante 4' Quinta 2 2/3 Flautino 2' Flageoletta 1' Armonia eterea 2 2/3+2+1 3/5+1 Cornetto 8+4+2 2/3+2+1 3/5 Bordone amabile 16' Fugara 16' Fagotto 16' Tromba armonica 8' Oboe 8' Corno inglese 8' Clarino armonico 4' Corno 4' Tremolo Celesta 8' Pedal Principale 16' Subbasso 16' Violone 16' Ottava 8' Violoncello 8' Flauto 4' Cornetto 5 1/3+4+3 1/5+2 2/7+2 Bombarda 32' Trombone 16' Baritono 8' Bordone Grande 32' (oktaavisiirto) Fugara 16' (siirto) Bordone amabile 16' (siirto) Fagotto 16' (siirto) Clarino armonico 4' (siirto) Pneumatic machinery and administration Waltz Four free-to group Normal and octave connections (4, 8, 16) Fixed arrayer Forte and Pacifier

[@johannessilver8653]

Thanks....this is interesting - what an instrument !@@anssihirvonen360

[@pietarikemppainen4152]

Aivan mahtavaa!

[@felixfourcolor]

5:53 you might be looking for this

[@debsg2024]

Beautiful!!! 👍🙌🙌🙌❤️🙋🏻‍♀️

[@Lunaholic94]

5:50 the most beautiful part 😊

[@viljomanninen3326]

Urkujen maestro asialla!

[@kansaIainen]

Cannot find the words... excellent! translation by Keith Bosley Finland, behold, thy daylight now is dawning The threat of night has now been driven away The skylark calls across the light of morning The blue of heaven lets it have its way And now the day the powers of night is scorning: Thy daylight dawns, O Finland of ours! Finland, arise, and raise towards the highest Thy head now crowned with mighty memory Finland, arise, for to the world thou criest That thou hast thrown off thy slavery Beneath oppression's yoke thou never liest Thy morning's come, O Finland of ours!

[@bryanhunnicutt7811]

He plays this with such wickedness..and beauty.

[@denox16]

Congratulations on the performance!

[@BububbleWand]

You're a rock star! From a sentimental Forest Finn descendant in the USA....

[@roponen332]

Vittu mitkä bassot! 💪💪

[@PabloMoralesDaal]

Brilliant 😍😍😍😍

[@JouniSomeroMusic]

KIITOS!

[@markushautaniemi9465]

Ehdottomasti paras tulkinta Sibeliuksen Finlandiasta uruille. Äänitys myös erittäin hyvä.

[@johannessilver8653]

Kyllä ja kuvaus myös....Mika on taitava ja vangitsee soiton kuvaamisen lisäksi maiseman ; ) . Ainoa puute on, että editoinnista jäi kirkon ulkokuva pois myös siksi, että se on valittu Suomen kauneimmaksi isoksi kirkoksi monta kertaa.

[@jeansibelius2555]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@itsmemaario]

Mahtava taiteilija, mahtavat Tuomiokirkon urut. Mitä laitteistoa käytettiin äänitykseen?

[@fatherlandchild2780]

Ei ole tuomiokirkon urut

[@qwertyu600]

On tuomiokirkon urut.

[@kallesalonen5607]

@@fatherlandchild2780 nämä on tampereen tuomiokirkon urut

[@fatherlandchild2780]

Kalle Salonen Sherlock, se sanotaan descissä.

[@feta6]

Oi Wau 👏

[@stylusfantasticus]

Thomas Murray at the Skinner organ at Yale University---the best---"The Transcriber´s Art" CD

[@willigalloway8043]

A great loss - but what music

[@hepe71]

Aika velikultia!

[@oludotunjohnshowemimo434]

Is that a Wirlitzer, electrical contact organ with the stop tongue tabs?

[@audinos1840]

Pure sisu!

[@noelpaquin3024]

Le monde de la musique perd un musicien hors paire, ha, celui qui aimait les aristide cavaillé coll,,,, dont une en particulier rouen,,, Symphaties a sa famille et amis , et a tout ceux qu'il aimait ,,et pensées a la finlande en ces moments triste.

[@josefk64]

Loistavaa!!!

[@Dareski]

*kyynelehtien* PERKELE!

[@amarparis17]

très beau morceau, Sibelius est très aimé en France.

[@danielclooney6248]

Best I've ever heard this played. Would loved to have been there in the pews soaking it up.

[@antri5465]

didn't know Lenin knew how to play the organ

[@johannessilver8653]

Lenin met Stalin first time ever in Tampere but not in the Cathedral ; ) ... there still is the only Lenin museum outside Russia therefore in the city centre.

[@japeetu]

Pro 💪

[@arontesfay2520]

Finlandia is a grand piece. An organ would suit it well

[@tuomokurtti8863]

Mykistävän taitavaa ja juhlavaa soittoa!

[@veikkojarvin7875]

Tätä kannattaa kuunnella

[@rvc6506]

What was all that noise in the background?

[@fatherlandchild2780]

Just Finns kicking some Soviet ass

[@Itapirkanmaa2]

The Cathedral is next to some of the busiest streets in Tampere and the railway. Also the air blowers of the organ probably make noise. The noise certainly is editable if one knows how.

[@chesdezan]

I repeat: do not play more than three of these day of the judgement organs/music together as they could send the world to end, do not permit this please

[@beaknewcomer3835]

Huh???

[@pekkapaapaa882]

huh huh!

[@chesdezan]

let me say this...: do not play more than three of these day of the judgement organs/music together as they could send the world to end, do not permit this please

[@chesdezan]

... I have seen now there is "The Wounded Angel" Hugo Simberg paint and the snowdrop particular... hope after lost paradise, this is a matter of resurrection, the noblest music demand for, in some way recalling what is at the End of the world...

[@praestant8]

What a bunch of psychotic nonsense.

[@kallesalonen5607]

paras versio finlandiasta

[@Chesterbarnes1]

This ORGANIST plays with FIRE!!!!! I like it!!!!! Powerful feeling!!!! OUTSTANDING!!!!!!

[@PhillipYewTree]

The genius of Sibelius expressed by a genius of the organ. Wonderful.

[@Chesterbarnes1]

absolutely wonderful....no words can describe the performance nor the tonal sound of the PIPE ORGAN. Wonderful!!!! Brilliant!!!!

[@Chesterbarnes1]

God knows I've never seen or heard playing like this since Virgil Fox died. Who is this man? Who is this ORGANIST!!! Fire on the CONSOLE!!!!! What majesty!!!! POWERFUL feeling!!!!! Makes the hair stand up on your head when he plays!!!

[@rikhard1116]

Chesterbarnes1 Famous finsih organist Kalevi Kiviniemi.

[@praestant8]

Chesterbarnes1 You don’t get out much if you think the organ world ended with Virgil Fox.

[@keithmansell206]

No one plays this better,as this man is at the top of his game when playing the organ. Watch him constantly change registration,and think how he has put the whole piece together,just wonderfull , fantastic , what a great organist he is. Keith John Mansell.

[@kempedkemp]

I must say that I am behind the times having just discovered Professor Kiviniemi yesterday, playing at St. Sulpice. What a most enjoyable performer! (and thank you for sharing the video, I love free tuition!)

[@emanuelealfano]

Is it possible to have more informations about the organ?

[@johannessilver8653]

You can google Tampere cathedral .... 68+5 stops 5380 pipes and so on.....the finest instrument in North Europe (says several international organ players).

[@misc.endeavours8343]

They clipped the end - where the entire building levitates and goes into orbit. Good stuff.

[@penakoskela220]

This Finlandia should be our nationalsong, but our ' vihervasemmisto' dont like to change this song.

[@dalerider3124]

Why an American-style console for a pipe organ in Tampere?

[@johannessilver8653]

I think Kangasala Organ builders took inspiration from global genre. I have seen organs made by them also with classic console and pull push stop taps too.

[@moottori_paa]

this is very fine performance :o

[@r1oaktree461]

Magic music

[@bruceduncan01]

Stunning. Thank you.

[@TheRipat]

Tämä on jotakin suurta!

[@ashbach10]

First time to see this amazing man on that superb organ, this must have sounded absolutely outstanding being there in person. No speaker will come close to reproducing that sound live unfortunately

[@TheNismo777]

What is this very warm feeling I started to feel while listening.. I guess I'm burning on the inside :] Proud of this place called home.

[@bettydanico2959]

Fabulous

[@sera6065]

kaunista

[@heikkijokela4316]

Sopii tähän joulun alusaikaan kuunneltavaksi

[@francoischantal8958]

Magnifiquement interprété !

[@aschkinable3892]

He died in April 2024 😢

[@JuniorFan08]

All from memory....

[@dbneptune]

this guy just looks finnish

[@ristosaarinen7431]

aivan mahtava ! olis hieno kuulla ja tuntea livenä ..Urut toimii ilmalla ja ne myös oikeasti tuntuu.Kale on huippu!

[@TheAatupaatu]

WOW!!!

[@richardbarnes8416]

This is absolutely incredible! Are we sure this wasn't composed to be played on the organ? It sounds so perfect.

[@johannessilver8653]

Kalevi can make it like it had been done for organ when he uses the finest instrument in North Europe for it.

[@marioribeirodeazevedoneto311]

Tudo maravilhoso! Kalevi toca muito.

[@friedrichkertoja]

Sounds very good indeed😊

[@gerrithoogvliet7748]

Oh my....genius

[@James_Bowie]

Glorious performance. The only thing missing are some en chamade trumpets on that organ for the horn parts.