We have a collection of 16 arrangements for Eino Kettunen - Ievan Polkka (Eva's Polka)
What Finnish folk song became a global internet sensation in the 2000s? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Loituma: Finnish Folk Ensemble and Internet Phenomenon
"Levan Polkka" is a traditional Finnish folk song that gained international popularity in the early 2000s, largely due to a specific version of the song performed by the Finnish quartet Loituma. Here are some interesting facts about Loituma and "Ievan Polkka":
Origin of the Song: "Ievan Polkka" is a traditional Finnish polka song that originated in the region of Karelia. The lyrics tell the story of a young woman named Ieva.
Loituma Version: The version that gained widespread attention in the 2000s was performed by the Finnish quartet Loituma. The group consists of singers Sari Kaasinen and Anita Lehtola, and instrumentalists Timo Väänänen and Hanni-Mari Autere.
Internet Meme and Flash Animation: In the mid-2000s, a flash animation circulated on the internet featuring a looped 4-second clip of the Loituma version, accompanied by a bouncing leek character called "Leekspin." This led to the song becoming an internet meme, and the looped clip became widely known as the "Leekspin" meme.
Viral Popularity: The internet meme significantly contributed to the song's global recognition. The catchy tune and the peculiar animation made it a viral sensation on various online platforms.
Traditional Instrumentation: The original version of "Ievan Polkka" typically features traditional Finnish instruments, such as the kantele, which is a traditional Finnish zither-like instrument, and the accordion.
Use in Media: The Loituma version of "Ievan Polkka" has been used in various forms of media, including video games, commercials, and television shows. Its catchy and upbeat nature has made it a popular choice for adding a touch of Finnish folk music to various projects.
Cultural Impact: Despite being a traditional folk song, the Loituma version of "Ievan Polkka" introduced Finnish folk music to a broader international audience, showcasing the global appeal of traditional music with a modern twist.
While the internet meme aspect brought Loituma and "Ievan Polkka" into the limelight, the song itself has a rich cultural background as a traditional Finnish folk tune.