Sibelius's first major orchestral work, Kullervo, was strongly influenced by Finnish folk music, which he consciously assimilated but did not copy dogmatically.
Performer Biography
Neeme Järvi, the conductor on this album, is the Principal Conductor of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and Musical Director of the Scottish National Orchestra.
Composition History
Sibelius withdrew Kullervo shortly after its premiere, and it was not performed again in its entirety until 1958, the year after his death.
Composition History
Sibelius began working on Kullervo, his first major orchestral work, before leaving Vienna in June 1891, with the opening theme originally planned in 6/4 time.
Composition History
Kullervo was premiered on April 28, 1892, in Helsinki's University Hall, with Sibelius himself conducting.
Composer Biography
Six weeks after Kullervo's premiere, Sibelius married Aino Järnefelt and honeymooned in Karelia, where he continued his studies of runic song.
Critical Reception
Kullervo was an outstanding success at its premiere, well-received for both its musical content and national spirit, bringing Sibelius to the forefront of Finnish music.
You might also enjoy...
Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 7
Sibelius: Symphony No. 4
Sibelius: Sinfonie No. 2
Sibelius: Symphony No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 39 & Symphony No. 6 in D Minor, Op. 104
Jean Sibelius: Symphonies No. 2 & No. 4
Sibelius: Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43
Sibelius, J.: Symphonies Nos. 1 and 7
Sibelius: Kullervo, Op. 7
Sibelius: Symphony No. 2
Sibelius: Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43 (Remastered)
