pidellystä

Pidellystä is a term that refers to a specific type of Finnish folk music, often associated with the Lapland region. While not a widely recognized or standardized musical genre in academic circles, the term is used colloquially to describe a certain style of vocal and instrumental performance.

The characteristic elements of pidellystä music often include a free-flowing, improvisational vocal style, sometimes with yodeling or joik-like inflections. The lyrical content can range from traditional storytelling and lamentations to more contemporary themes, often reflecting rural life, nature, and personal experiences. Instrumentation, when present, typically features simple folk instruments such as the kantele, accordion, or guitar, used to provide a melodic or rhythmic backdrop to the vocals.

The term itself is believed to derive from the Finnish word "pidellä," meaning to hold or to keep, possibly alluding to the sustained or lingering quality of the vocal melodies or the narrative structure of the songs. It is often learned and passed down through oral tradition, with variations existing between different communities and performers. While pidellystä may not have a formal definition, it represents a vibrant and authentic expression of Finnish folk music heritage.