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Berlin, Vienna, Helsinki

Donald Macleod introduces music written by Sibelius during his period of study in Berlin, including his first work based on the Finnish national epic The Kalevala.

Donald Macleod introduces music written by Sibelius during his period of study in Berlin, including his first work based on the Finnish national epic The Kalevala. Sibelius moved to Berlin armed with a scholarship amounting to 2000 Finnish marks, which was to pay for his tuition and maintenance for a year. What the young Finn experienced on his arrival was a quite severe culture shock. Back in Helsinki he was already a figure of national importance, but here in cosmopolitan Berlin, he was just one music student among many, and the place was alive with them. In this city where every musician he encountered seemed to be a virtuoso, Sibelius was intimidated. He found himself, initially, unable to compose at all.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Jean Sibelius

    2 Pieces Op.2 for violin and piano [rev. 1912]

    Performer: Bengt Forsberg Performer: Nils-Erik Sparf

    • BIS.
    • CD-525.
  • Jean Sibelius

    Kullervo Op.7 for soloists, male voices and orchestra

    Conductor: Osmo Vanska Performer: Lahti S O

    • BIS.
    • CD121-5.
  • Jean Sibelius

    7 Songs of Runeberg Op.13 for voice and piano

    Performer: Anne Sofie von Otter Performer: Bengt Forsberg

    • BIS.
    • CD-757.
  • Jean Sibelius

    Karelia - suite Op.11

    Conductor: Neeme Jarvi Performer: Gothenburg S O.

    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOP.
    • 447 760-2.
  • Jean Sibelius

    Symphony no. 3 in C major Op.52

    Performer: Danish National R S O

    • Chandos.
    • Chan9083.

Broadcast

  • Tue 20 Aug 2013 18:30

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