The Father of Finnish Tango Turns 90

A new album pays tribute to Toivo Kärki
New York/Helsinki

Songwriter icon Toivo Kärki of Finland (1915-1992), often called the ‘father of Finnish tango’, would have celebrated his 90th birthday this fall. Pianist, composer, and New York resident Mika Pohjola has produced an album, A Lark in a Snowstorm, to honor Mr. Kärki’s life and music. Opera bass Henrik Lamberg, and jazz vocalists Sanni Orasmaa and Eeppi Ursin interpret several of Mr. Kärki’s classics as well as some lesser-known repertoire. An international ensemble of musicians from Finland, Argentina, the United States and Brazil perform Mr. Pohjola’s new arrangements, which cross several musical genres. Additionally, Mr. Kärki’s rare original recordings from the 1940’s and 50’s are re-issued on this album.

The basis for Mr. Kärki’s musical thought was his keen interest in jazz, which started as early as 1928 when he heard Louis Armstrong on record. After winning an international contest for new compositions, arranged by the London-based Rhythm magazine in 1939, Mr. Kärki planned to move to the United States. History, however, decided otherwise: the Finnish Winter War (against the Soviet Union) broke out and Kärki, like thousands of others, was sent to the front. In the mid-forties, Mr. Kärki placed his musical talent in the service of the general public, who were eager for uplifting entertainment after the demanding war years.

Over 1400 of Toivo Kärki’s compositions have been recorded, many several times over. An additional few hundred pieces have never been recorded. Mr. Kärki also scored about fifty movies, numerous revues, plays and radio shows, and was a highly sought-after arranger. He schooled lyricists and coached vocalists for nearly half a century.