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Jean Sibelius

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Jean Sibelius was a Finnish composer of the late Romantic and early modern period. He was born in 1865 in Hämeenlinna, then part of the Grand Duchy of Finland within the Russian Empire. He first wanted to become a violinist, then studied composition in Helsinki, Berlin and Vienna, and in 1892 married Aino Järnefelt. In 1904 the family moved to the house Ainola near Järvenpää, where he lived for the rest of his life.

Music and breakthrough

At its core is a cycle of seven symphonies. He also wrote the Violin Concerto, the choral work Kullervo, Finlandia, the Karelia Suite, Valse triste and The Swan of Tuonela, part of the Lemminkäinen Suite. Much of his music springs from nature, Nordic mythology and the Kalevala, the Finnish national epic. His sound is sombre and broad, with long lines and a large orchestra that often sounds like a landscape.

Influence

In the years of Russian rule his music contributed to a stronger Finnish national awareness, and he is still regarded as the greatest composer of his country. After 1926, with the symphonic poem Tapiola and the music for The Tempest, he wrote almost nothing more. That silence of Järvenpää lasted thirty years. He died in 1957. His work is performed and recorded widely around the world.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Finlandia and notice how it begins with heavy, menacing brass chords and later moves into a broad, singing melody.

Discography

Studio albums

Categories: Artists