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Sibelius the Patriot

Donald Macleod introduces some Sibelius's patriotic compositions written in the years following the 1899 February Manifesto.

Political tensions within Finland increased with the issuing of the "February Manifesto" in 1899, designed to bring Finland into line with Mother Russia. Up to this time, although Sibelius had been drawing on explicitly Finish elements in his music in a broadly nationalist way, Sibelius took care to keep a safe distance from any kind of direct political involvement. But now, like all self-respecting Finns, Sibelius was incensed. Donald Macleod introduces some of the patriotic compositions the composer produced in the following years.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Jean Sibelius

    Finlandia Op.26 for orchestra

    Conductor: Herbert von Karajan Performer: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

    • EMI.
    • CDM-764 331-2.
  • Jean Sibelius

    Song of the Athenians [Atenarnes sang] Op.31`3 for chorus and orchestra

    Conductor: Henrik Wikstrom Performer: Akademiska Sangforengingen

    • BIS.
    • CD 193032.
  • Jean Sibelius

    Arioso Op.3 for voice and piano

    Performer: Anne Sofie von Otter Performer: Bengt Forsberg

    • BIS.
    • CD 191820.
  • Jean Sibelius

    Lemminkainen suite Op.22

    Conductor: Osmo Vanska Performer: Lahti S O

    • BIS.
    • SACD 1645.
  • Jean Sibelius

    Tulen synty [The origin of fire] Op.32 for baritone, male chorus and orchestra

    Performer: Folke Grasbeck Performer: Raimo Luakka Performer: Yl Male Voice Choir

    • BIS.
    • CD 193032.
  • Jean Sibelius

    Symphony no. 2 in D major Op.43

    Conductor: Paavo Berglund Performer: London Philharmonic Orchestra

    • LPO.
    • LPO-0005.

Broadcast

  • Wed 21 Aug 2013 18:30

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