- Jean Sibelius (1865–1957) is considered a national hero in Finland, not just for his musical genius but also for how his work contributed to the Finnish national identity. His compositions, especially the tone poem Finlandia, became symbols of Finnish nationalism and pride, particularly significant during the struggle for Finnish independence from Russia. The stirring themes of Finlandia have inspired Finns through critical periods of their history and are deeply intertwined with the country's cultural identity.
- Unlike many composers who show their genius at a very young age, Sibelius took some time to find his path in music. Initially, he wanted to be a violinist, but he started his violin training too late to reach a professional level. This realisation led him to focus on composition, where he found his true calling. Despite this delayed start, Sibelius would go on to become one of the most important composers of the 20th century.
- Sibelius is renowned for his contribution to the symphony and symphonic poem. He wrote seven symphonies, with his later works contributing significantly to the development of the symphonic form in the 20th century. His unique approach to structure, themes, and orchestration had a profound influence on the evolution of the symphony. Sibelius's ability to convey profound emotional depth and the natural beauty of the Finnish landscape in his symphonies has been particularly praised.
- One of the most intriguing aspects of Sibelius's life is his long period of silence during his later years. After completing his Seventh Symphony in 1924 and the tone poem Tapiola in 1926, Sibelius virtually stopped composing for the last three decades of his life. Despite living until 1957, he published no major new works in those years, a period often referred to as The Silence of Järvenpää (after the town where he lived). The reasons for this silence are widely speculated upon, with theories including a critical self-assessment and the changing musical landscape.
- Sibelius's music is deeply inspired by the Finnish landscape and nature. He had a profound connection to the natural world, which is reflected in many of his compositions. The Finnish landscape, with its vast forests, lakes, and the northern lights, can be heard in the textures and themes of his music. This connection to nature made him a pioneer in creating music that evokes a sense of place, predating the environmental movements of the later 20th century.
The ANAM Orchestra performs Sibelius' piece En Saga on 1 June at 7pm at St Kilda Town Hall. Experience this work alongside Lotta Wennäkoski's Verdigris, a contemporary comment on En Saga.
You should listen to En Saga for an emotionally rich and vividly atmospheric musical journey that showcases the powerful storytelling ability of orchestral music, so quintessential to the music of Sibelius.