Säkkijärven polkka is a well-known Finnish folk song that gained significant popularity and historical importance. It was popularized by Finnish accordionist and composer Viljo "Vili" Vesterinen in 1939.
The song's name comes from Säkkijärvi, a place in Russia near the Finnish border, and "polkka" refers to the polka dance. Its melody has been traced back to at least 1850.
Säkkijärven polkka gained fame during the Continuation War between Finland and the Soviet Union in 1941. When Finnish forces recaptured the city of Vyborg, they discovered that retreating Soviet troops had left behind radio-controlled mines. To prevent the Soviets from detonating these mines remotely, Finnish forces ingeniously used the song as a jamming signal.
For three consecutive days, Säkkijärven polkka was broadcast continuously on multiple frequencies, playing approximately 1,500 times8. This clever tactic successfully blocked the Soviet detonation signals, allowing Finnish engineers to locate and disarm the mines. As a result, only 12 out of an estimated 1,000 mines exploded.
This historical event not only showcases the song's cultural significance but also demonstrates its unexpected role in Finnish military strategy during World War II.
Purchase Price Includes All Parts & The Score
Säkkijärven polkka - Finnish Folk Song
Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Issa Boulos
Genre/Style: Polka
Difficulty: 3-4
Instrumentation: Two Violins and a Piano
Publisher: Aria Music Publications
Region: Eastern Europe