Sibelius composed the Two Serious Melodies, Op. 77, during a period of financial difficulty in 1914-1915, when he was forced to write miniatures to ease his debt.
Historical Context
Sibelius's In memoriam was inspired by the 1904 assassination of Governor-General Bobrikov, the 'eater-up of Finland', an event that delighted many in the Grand Duchy of Finland.
Critical Reception
Despite its initial success, Sibelius's Jedermann music is rarely heard today, partly because he did not prepare an orchestral suite from it, unlike his other incidental music.
Composer's Artistic Vision
For his incidental music to Jedermann, Sibelius demanded that the music follow the text precisely, synchronizing with words and action like a film score.
Composer Biography
Jean Sibelius is considered the most significant figure in the formation of Finnish national identity in music, with Finland celebrating a Flag Day on his birthday.
Performer Biography
The Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1790, is the oldest orchestra in Finland and is known for its audience accessibility initiatives, including streaming concerts to hospitals and schools.
Composition History
Sibelius composed the incidental music for Jedermann, a medieval morality play by Hugo von Hofmannsthal, in the summer of 1916, completing it in less than three months.
You might also enjoy...
Dialogues & Meditations: The Orchestral Music of Steven Holochwost
Pierre Boulez conducts Schoenberg
Saint-Saëns - Liszt - Saariaho - Moussa (Deluxe Edition)
Fauré: Requiem op.48 · Pavane op.50 · Elégie op.24 · Après un Rêve op.7
