Thomas Søndergård, the conductor, is the Principal Conductor of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and will become Music Director of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra from September 2018.
Performer Biography
The BBC National Orchestra of Wales has a unique role as both a broadcast and national symphony orchestra, performing across the UK and abroad for 90 years.
Composer Biography
Jean Sibelius, the composer, is widely considered one of the greatest musical figures, particularly for his cycle of symphonies.
Recording & Production
The BBC National Orchestra of Wales records music for various programs and films, including "War and Peace," "David Attenborough's Life Story," and the "Doctor Who" series.
Composition History
Finlandia, by Jean Sibelius, was originally titled 'Finland awakens' and was part of a series of historical tableaux to raise money for the Pension Press Fund, which also served as a focal point for Finnish nationalism.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Sibelius considered Finlandia a 'relatively insignificant piece' compared to his other works, despite its 'staggering worldwide success' and popular melodic appeal.
Composition History
The Swan of Tuonela, a magical and popular tone poem, was originally intended as a prelude for Sibelius's opera The Building of the Boat, which he abandoned after seeing Wagner's Tristan und Isolde.
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