Have you ever wondered what the Finnish archipelago sounds like? Inspired by a recent concert in Turku, I found myself imagining the seasons of the archipelago as a symphony. Join me on this melodic journey, where summer hums with Vivaldi’s joy, autumn whispers Rachmaninov’s melancholy, winter embraces Beethoven’s stillness, and spring awakens with Dvořák’s hope. Let the archipelago’s natural orchestra take you on an unforgettable adventure. Here’s my take on what the archipelago seasons would sound like if a symphony orchestra played them.

Summer – Vivaldi’s “Spring” (Yes, it works for summer too!)
I know, technically, this is Vivaldi’s Spring from his famous Fours Seasons, but let me explain why I picked it. This piece is full of joy and movement – just like the archipelago in summer. The light melodies of the violins remind me of the bustle of life: boats moving on the sea, people laughing on the shore, and sunny days stretching late into the night.

Summer in the archipelago is full of joy and celebration. The water is just warm enough for a swim (if you’re brave enough), the air smells of salt and sunscreen, and somewhere, there’s always something delicious being barbecued. Summer is vibrant, full of life, and carefree holiday moments. Vivaldi’s lively melody captures this summery atmosphere perfectly.

Autumn – Rachmaninoff’s “Vocalise”
As the leaves turn orange red and the water temperature droppes, the archipelago is bathed in a bittersweet beauty. Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise feels like autumn – heartbreakingly beautiful and slightly melancholic.

This is a time of goodbyes. The tourist crowds dwindle, most of the cottage owners close up their summer houses, and the birds head south. Autumn storms arrive, and the sea shifts from sparkling blue to a deep, stormy grey. Despite the melancholy, the archipelago slowly returns to its quiet, serene self, with its own comforting beauty.

Winter – Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata”
Ah, winter! The season when the archipelago sinks into darkness and silence so deep you can hear your own heartbeat. Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonara fits perfectly with this mood. It’s calm, introspective, and a little eerie – much like a starry winter night and the frozen sea.

But winter isn’t all about loneliness. There’s still plenty going on as locals engage in hobbies, meet up with each other, and take part in winter events. And yes, sometimes it snows “wet” snow (not Japan-like powder snow), and the wind howls so loudly it feels like the roof might fly off (and it has actually happened). But there’s something incredibly comforting about the slow pace of winter life and being inside, reading a book in front of the fireplace.

Spring – Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 9, From the New World” (Largo)
When spring arrives in the archipelago, it feels like the whole world is waking up from a long nap. Dvořák’s Largo from Symphony No. 9 is full of hope, and isn’t that exactly what spring is? The soft, sweeping tones are the perfect backdrop to the first green shoots poking through the earth, the return of the birds, and the gentle awakening off life in the archipelago.

Spring is full of small miracles – crocuses peeking up from the soil, the sea breaking free from its ice cover, and the days getting longer each day. There’s a feeling of anticipation, a promise that summer will return. Dvořák’s music captures this sense of new beginnings so well that it feels as though he must have visited the archipelago himself.

There you have it: The symphony of the Turku archipelago by some well-known composers. And if classical music isn’t your thing, I’ve heard nature has a pretty good playlist too. Whether it’s the joyful energy of summer, the bittersweet beauty of autumn, the deep peace of winter, or the hopeful awakening of spring, the islands have their own rhythm that’s unlike anything else. I hope you’ll hear the music while visiting our beautiful archipelago.

Warm regards,
Outi