Sibelius – The Masters Of Music - Sibelius

Sibelius – The Masters Of Music

The Masters Of Music – Sibelius presents an accessible selection of works by Jean Sibelius (1865–1957), one of the most important composers of the late Romantic and early modern periods. The 11-track programme brings together some of his best-known orchestral compositions, including Finlandia, The Swan Of Tuonela, Valse Triste, Andante Festivo and the celebrated third movement of his Violin Concerto in D Minor.

The music spans several decades of Sibelius's career, from the late 19th century through to the early 20th century. The programme opens with Finlandia, Op. 26, Sibelius's famous tone poem from 1899–1900, whose powerful brass writing, dramatic opening and hymn-like central melody have made it one of his most recognisable compositions. It is followed by The Swan Of Tuonela, Op. 22, one of the four Lemminkäinen Legends, dating from the 1890s and particularly noted for its atmospheric orchestration and haunting English horn solo.

The programme then moves into some of Sibelius's shorter orchestral works. Valse Triste, Op. 44, originally written for the theatre work Kuolema, became one of the composer's most popular pieces after its appearance in a revised orchestral version in 1904. Andante Festivo provides a more restrained and ceremonial contrast, while Canzonetta, Op. 62a and Suite Champêtre, Op. 98b demonstrate Sibelius's ability to create richly coloured orchestral music on a smaller scale.

One of the major highlights is the third movement of the Violin Concerto in D Minor, Op. 47, a demanding and brilliantly energetic piece of virtuoso writing. Sibelius originally completed the concerto in 1904 and substantially revised it for its 1905 version. The finale is particularly renowned for its driving rhythms, powerful orchestral writing and demanding solo violin part.

The collection also includes the third movement of Symphony No. 1, together with Pelléas Et Mélisande – Suite, Op. 46, At The Castle Gate, and Valse Romantique, Op. 62b. The latter is associated with Sibelius's orchestral music for Kuolema, while the Pelléas Et Mélisande music was written for Maurice Maeterlinck's play and later arranged by Sibelius as an orchestral suite. Sibelius's theatre music and shorter orchestral works form an important part of his catalogue alongside the better-known symphonies and tone poems.

For listeners discovering Sibelius and Finnish classical music, this is a varied introduction to the composer's distinctive orchestral language. From the national character and dramatic sweep of Finlandia to the mysterious atmosphere of The Swan Of Tuonela, the melancholy beauty of Valse Triste and the virtuosity of the Violin Concerto, the album brings together several of the works that have made Sibelius a central figure in Scandinavian and late-Romantic classical music.

Tracklist

1. Finlandia — 8:58
2. The Swan Of Tuonela, Op. 22 — 9:08
3. Valse Triste — 4:41
4. Andante Festivo — 4:51
5. Canzonetta, Op. 62, I — 3:45
6. Suite Champêtre, Op. 98b, I — 7:13
7. Romance, Op. 42 — 4:24
8. Violin Concerto In D Minor, Op. 4 — Third Movement — 6:58
9. Symphony No. 1 — Third Movement — 4:42
10. Pelléas Et Mélisande – Suite, Op. 46 — At The Castle Gate — 3:32
11. Valse Romantique, Op. 62b (From Kuolema) — 4:39