Sibelius's Kullervo was seen as a manifestation of Finnish culture, not just music, due to his original approach to the national epic and the musical material.
Performer Biography
The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1882 by Robert Kajanus, is the oldest professional symphony orchestra in the Nordic countries and premiered many of Sibelius's major works, often with the composer conducting.
Compositional Technique
The opening motif of Kullervo's second movement was inspired by the Ingrian folk singer Larin Paraske, known for her laments, whom Sibelius heard in Porvoo in 1891.
Compositional Technique
Sibelius's ability to make Kullervo sound 'Finnish' came from his deep knowledge of Finnish and Karelian folk music, which he had learned from his teacher Arvid Genetz.
Critical Reception
After its premiere in 1892, Sibelius's Kullervo was largely forgotten until its revival in 1958 and its first recording in 1970, which established it among Sibelius's masterpieces.
Performer Biography
The YL Male Voice Choir, founded in 1883, is the oldest Finnish-language choir in Finland and has commissioned and premiered most of Jean Sibelius's major works for male voice choir.
Composition History
Sibelius began sketching Kullervo, a multi-movement symphony based on the Finnish national epic Kalevala, while studying in Vienna in 1890-91.
