hear the harp of Väinämöinen...

New Book Released

The Magic Kantele book cover

July 14, 2025: My newest book, written to teach children how to play the kantele, was released today. Learn More.



Kolari in Altadalen

July, 2025: I was thrilled to receive an email from the conservator of the Alta Museum World Heritage Rock Art Centre in Norway. As part of a project they've been working on about the Kvens (Finnish ethnic minority in northern Norway), they've released a series of short films that can be freely used for educational purposes. One of the films, "Kolari in Altadalen" is about tar burning in Alta. Music in this film features me playing an original composition ("My Western Mountains.") Needless to say, I feel honored that the museum chose my music for this interesting project! The film can be seen here. Although it's not in English, there are English subtitles.



Kalevala Melody

I collaborated on this music with Finnish Indie game developer - and musician - Sami Maaranen. His RPG game, UnReal World is strongly inspired by and based on Iron-age Finland and the "Kalevala culture". I play the kantele and Sami plays drums in this song, which is the opening song of the game. If you're interested, you can download a free copy of the game at: www.unrealworld.fi.



Aino's Lament

Aino's reaction to being told she is to marry old Väinämöinen, after her brother Joukahainen loses a singing contest to him, is told in Rune 4 of the Kalevala.



Thumb Plucking

Something Funny

by Lani K. Thompson

I developed my own method of playing kantele because it was hard for me to pluck the strings in the "traditional" way. Some people who've seen me play like my style of plucking, and have adopted -- and adapted -- it to suit themselves.

My plucking style gives a clear attack. If you have smooth finger pads that slip off the strings, you will find this style of playing a lot easier. Click on the video to see and hear me play a shortened version of my song, Something Funny, using my thumb plucking style of playing.







Credit: Playing the Kantele picture by P. Halonen, 1897
Copyright by Lani K Thompson All rights reserved