221
See also: The Bartered Bride 206 ■ Pictures at an Exhibition 207 ■ Peer
Gynt 208–209 ■ Dvorˇ ák’s Symphony No. 9 212–215 ■ Appalachian Spring 286–287NATIONALISM 1830 –1920
resented autocratic rule. Against
this uneasy backdrop, the Finnish
language, spoken by urban and
rural workers, became associated
with a growing national resistance.
Sibelius had been to a Finnish-
speaking school, so when his talent
as a composer propelled him to the
forefront of Finnish cultural life, he
was ideally positioned to respond
to the cultural interests of both
linguistic communities. Besides
mastery of powerful, large-scale
symphonic forms, he had a flair for
popular “light music” and sought
out examples of Finnish folk music.A Finnish fightback
In 1899, Russia proclaimed its
“February Manifesto,” which
cracked down on Finnish autonomy
and nationalism, including a ban on
political rallies and the closure of a
Finnish-language newspaper. An
evening of “Press Celebrations” was
organized in the capital, Helsinki,
officially in support of the Press
Pension Fund but was in reality a
gathering of patriotic resistance.
The evening included the display
of specially painted tableaux, for
which Sibelius was asked to
compose the music. The last of
these, “Finland Awakes,” portrayed
the region’s proud achievements in
culture and industry.
Sibelius then arranged some of
the music for concert performance,
revising “Finland Awakes” as
Finlandia, its very title aimed at
international recognition for a
country known to every Finn as
Suomi. Released in 1900, the work
swept the musical world, and its
popularity remains undiminished,
with the central hymnlike tune
widely seen as Finland’s unofficial
national anthem. ■Jean Sibelius
Johan Sibelius (he adopted
the French version of his first
name later) was born in the
town of Hämeenlinna in 1865.
At first, he wanted to be a
virtuoso violinist, but his
student years in Helsinki,
Berlin, and Vienna led him to
concentrate on composing.
In 1892, after the success of
his choral symphony Kullervo,
he married Aino Järnefelt,
with whom he went on to
have six daughters.
Further success, including
the symphonic poem (single-
movement symphonic work)
called The Swan of Tuonela
of 1895, and then the first of
seven symphonies, spread his
name abroad. The onset of
throat cancer in 1908, though
successfully treated, brought
a darker mood that influenced
the austere Symphony No. 4
(1911). In the 30 years before
his death, in 1957, troubled by
self-criticism, alcoholism, and
the pressures of fame, Sibelius
released few works.Other key works1892 Kullervo
1902 Symphony No. 2
1924 Symphony No. 7
1926 TapiolaOpening brass
fanfare signifies the
Russian menace.Calm woodwind and
fervent strings tell of
Finnish endurance and
hope for the future.The development
of Finnish motifs
in FinlandiaLoud and sudden
emphasis (fortissimo)
represents the turbulent
anguish of the people.The building of the calming
Finlandia tune, redolent of
Finnish folk music, symbolizes
emerging clarity.Energetic and confident
new melody asserts pride
and resistance.Triumphant allegro
climaxes in a rallying
cry for the Finns.US_220-221_Sibelius.indd 221 26/03/18 1:01 PM