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Only love and death can compete with nature as the most common topic in music. In the aftermath of environmental crises, the relationship between music and nature has changed radically. How can music influence our environmental consciousness and conscience? The music of contemporary composer Kalevi Aho and psychedelic rock band Hexvessel show in two distinct ways.

Rising jazz talent Linda Fredriksson brings her sax skills to the forefront in trios plus big bands, and finds magic in the moment of musical inspiration.

"Playing together for all these years has made these ladies a stunning couple – you can almost see their hands intertwining. The rhythm is incredibly tight with all its stunning syncopation and swinging backbeats."

"The work, with choreography by Kenneth Greve and Pirjo Toikka, was an immediate success. Obviously this was much thanks to Kantelinen’s accessible music, written clearly with people of every age and background in mind."

"In traditional cultures, singing, music-making and dancing are all one. Although music and dance have subsequently split into separate genres in Western countries, the age-old link has never been totally severed. The 4/2013 FMQ presents a selection of ways in which the marriage of music and dance is manifest in present-day Finland."

As trends wax and wane, street dance is becoming globally more prominent with each cycle. In Finland, it’s at the height of its popularity and making inroads into uncharted territory, both artistically and socially.

Avanti! was formed – with an exclamation mark – in April 1983. At that time, Finland was ruled by Urho Kekkonen and Finnish music by Joonas Kokkonen. Consensus was the name of the game, and any deviation was regarded as childish provocation.

"This album is focused more on the beautifully melodic and lyrical side to a surprising extent. The compositions are so strong that it is probably the right decision to construct the album around them and to let the melodies speak for themselves."

"The extensive output for male choir of Toivo Kuula (1883–1918) inspired two Finnish male choirs to release a complete recording on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of his birth. This allows for a tantalising direct comparison..."