I wrote a book!
On September 7, 2021 I released my first book Lost Songs of the Suomi Synod.
This ethnomusicological memoir collects 28 songs from the Finnish-American Lutheran tradition. Notated and translated arrangements are included, along with historical and musical commentary.
I have unearthed obscure contributions from such luminaries as Elias Lönnrot (collector of the Kalevala), Finland’s national poet J. L. Runeberg, Jean Sibelius (composer of Finlandia), and Martin Luther. Some of these songs have not been heard or sung in North America for a century, and some have never before appeared in English.
In 2022 the book was awarded the Frederick Buechner Prize for Writing at Luther Seminary.
ORDER the book at my BandCamp page.
$28 including shipping, USPS media mail in the US.
Orders include a download of the digital single “Paavo the Peasant,” a song from the book.
ORDER a five-book bundle at BandCamp, priced for value!
$106 including shipping, USPS media mail in the US.
Orders of the five-book bundle include a download of the five-song digital EP Vol. 1: Assembly featuring songs from the book.
In Summer of 2022 I traveled in support of the book with a research tour of Sweden and Finland!
I’ll be releasing an ongoing series of digital EPs featuring songs from the book. Available now on BandCamp, Apple Music, Spotify, etc., is the first in the series Vol. 1: Assembly. Included are songs “You Chose From The Beginning,” “Holy Spirit, We Pray,” “Arise, My Soul, Arise,” “With God As Our Friend,” and “Home Unknown.”
Listen to “Paavo the Peasant,” a digital single from the book, at Jonathan’s BandCamp page and on Apple Music, Spotify, etc.
Finland's national poet J. L. Runeberg wrote the poem "Paavo the Peasant (Saarijärven Paavo)" in 1830. Dr. Börje Vähämäki created this English translation in the 1980s.
Jonathan Rundman has composed the first-ever musical setting of Runeberg's legendary poem for the English language.
ENDORSEMENTS FOR LOST SONGS OF THE SUOMI SYNOD
“Lovingly curated… the Finnish hymn and song writers come alive in the warm introductions and personal stories accompanying the music that in Rundman’s arrangements invite the reader to pick up an instrument and join in song. Diligent archival study has led to discoveries of gems and the rescue of songs nearly lost. With historical sensitivity, deep theological instincts and multifaceted musical expertise, a son of Finnish ancestors has created a unique treasure with his soundtrack to a story that is his but also ours.”
Rev. Dr. Kirsi Stjerna
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
Author of Lutheran Theology: A Grammar of Faith
“a fascinating tour of Finnish and Finnish-American musical traditions”
Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann
Associate Professor of Lutheran Confessions & Heritage, Wartburg Theological Seminary
Author of Stories from Global Lutheranism
“Rundman brings to daylight a great collection of theological music from an American Finnish perspective. I especially like the stories behind the songs - I learned a lot!”
Arto Järvelä, Pelimanni (folk musician)
“This book is a treasure for Finnish-American Lutherans as well as music and cultural historians.”
Hilary-Joy Virtanen, PhD
Assistant Professor of Finnish & Nordic Studies, Finlandia University
“Rundman is timely in rescuing this heritage for future generations. Song-lovers, historians, and ethnic researchers will be grateful.”
Jane Piirto, PhD
Author of A Location in the Upper Peninsula and Understanding Creativity
“an accessible, informed, and passionate guide”
Benjamin R. Teitelbaum, PhD
Assistant Professor of Musicology, University of Colorado Boulder
Author of Lions of the North and War for Eternity