This edition was prepared by Mikko Kouhia — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Karjala
Staff Notation • Secular
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Karjala by Emil Genetz — Lyrics
Kuss’ aallot Laatokan vuoriin lyö,
Kuss’ Imatran innot raukes,
Kuss’ uurtaa vaaroja Pielisvyö:
Siell’ ensin silmäni aukes,
Siell’ leikin lasna ma rantamalla,
Siell’ lepää heimoni nurmen alla,
Ja siellä neitonen Karjalan
Sai lempeni leimuamaan.
Siell’ elää kansa niin sitkeä
Kuin vaahteren latva nuori;
Se kyllin saanut on itkeä,
Mut vankkana on kuin vuori;
Se orjana ollut on ounaan herran,
Se vaivaa nähnyt on toisen verran
Kuin Suomi muu, mut murtumaton
Ja hilpeä vielä se on.
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About Karjala
Emil Genetz's Karjala is a secular work for SSAATTBB choir, sung in Finnish. The text celebrates the resilient spirit of Karelia, a region in Finland. It paints a vivid picture of the landscape, from the waves crashing against the Laadoga mountains to the rapids of Imatra, and evokes a sense of deep personal connection to the land. The lyrics speak of a people who have endured hardship, yet remain unbroken and cheerful, their spirit as strong and steadfast as the mountains themselves. It describes their connection to ancient traditions, their kantele music, and the heroic tales of their ancestors, inspiring future generations. This piece would suit a concert programme focusing on national identity or landscapes.
