Oskar Merikanto  (August 5, 1868 – February 17, 1924) was a Finnish musician and composer.

He was born to Swedish-speaking parents in Helsinki. His father, originally Frank Mattsson, changed the family name to sound more Finnish.

He was notable for his variety of talents – he gave concerts all around Finland, performing on the piano and organ, conducting orchestras, and composing original music. Some of his most beloved compositions are Där björkarna susa, and the waltz Kesäillan valssi (Summernight's Waltz).

He died in Hausjärvi-Oitti.

His son Aarre Merikanto is one of the most notable Finnish composers.

Works

• Romanssi, Op. 12
• Pohjan neiti (Maiden of the North) (1898)
• Nälkämaan laulu (The Song of the Hungry) (1911)
• various pieces for organ, including "Wedding Hymn"

He wrote vocal music in German, Swedish and Finnish. It includes

• Rote Blumen
• An den Fruhling/Keväälle
• Ström' leise / Oi, tyynny, sa virta
• Wehmut/Alakuloisuus
• Till Dig
• Omenakukat
• Ma Elän
• Rukous (Ave Maria)
• Pai Pai Paitaressu

(From Wiki)