Music and architecture

“An active interest in music is reflected in the way Leiviskä handles space: for him, interiors are instruments played by light.”

Marja-Riitta Norri

“For me, architecture and music are the two forms of art that are closest to one another. They say the same thing using different languages. In both, we endeavour to create a man-sized space, something that man is capable of experiencing, in this infinite universe of ours which we find impossible to fathom.”

Juha Leiviskä

A versatile instrument

“The organ of Myyrmäki Church can be regarded as a landmark in Finnish organ-building. The instrument is an integrated whole. Its 36 registers give the organist unending opportunities for new combinations and timbres. It is also a very versatile instrument, adapting well to music of many different periods. That is a source of inspiration to the organist, who has, for example in worship services, the full chronological and stylistic range at his fingertips. It is in worship services that church music finds its ideal use. And in organ recitals, we are not limited to Baroque music.

“The splendid acoustics and other favourable circumstances have made this church one of the most popular concert halls in Vantaa. Local music societies and musicians enrich our musical life.”

Kari Jerkku

The organ of Myyrmäki Church was built by Kangasalan urkurakentamo. The instrument was influenced by the organ-building tradition of Holland and northern Germany that flourished for a century from late 17th century on. This period was the height of Lutheran church music as well.

As for the organ façade, the views of the architect and the organ-builders were diametrically opposed. It was the latter’s view that the Baroque influence must be seen in the façades, latticework, and symmetry of the pipes regardless of the surroundings. According to Leiviskä, the organ is an integral part of the church’s architecture, and he wanted the pipes to be set asymmetrically. As the Myyrmäki organ is mostly looked at from the side, he insisted that the appearance of the sides was just as important as that of the front.

The final result is a compromise. The organ is faced with ornamental woodwork that was painted white.