(1865 – 1957)
Finlandia is a symphonic poem, composed as a covert protest against increasing censorship from the Russian Empire. Most of the piece is taken up with rousing and turbulent music, evoking the national struggle of the Finnish people. But towards the end, a calm comes over the orchestra, and the serenely melodic Finlandia Hymn is heard.
* piano solo
Although initially composed for orchestra, in 1900 Sibelius arranged the entire work for solo piano.
Although initially composed for orchestra, in 1900 Sibelius arranged the entire work for solo piano.
Sibelius later reworked the Finlandia Hymn into a stand-alone piece. This hymn, with words written in 1941 by Koskenniemi, is one of the most important national songs of Finland (though Maamme is the national anthem).
History:
In 1809, having been taken over by the armies of Tsar Alexander I in the Finnish War, Finland became an autonomous Grand Duchy in the Russian Empire, until the end of 1917, when the October Revolution in Russia changed the game anew. The right-wing government declared independence on December 6, 1917.
During World War II, Finland fought the Soviet Union twice: in the Winter War of 1939–40 after the Soviet Union had attacked Finland; and in the Continuation War of 1941–44, in which Germany invaded the Soviet Union.
Finland was never occupied by the Soviet forces and retained its independence, but at a heavy loss of about 93 000 soldiers killed.
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Sibelius Violin Concerto
* Maxim Vengerov (on violin)
Finland was never occupied by the Soviet forces and retained its independence, but at a heavy loss of about 93 000 soldiers killed.
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* Maxim Vengerov (on violin)
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