The 'Bells (Capriccietto)' from Op. 115 features an incessant whirl from the muted violin against an accompaniment of unique simplicity in Sibelius's oeuvre.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Sibelius's close contact with nature during his formative years had a profound effect on his later output as a composer.
Compositional Technique
In the 'Danses Champêtres,' Sibelius cheekily parodies the slow movement of his own Fifth Symphony in its closing bars.
Performer Biography
Nils-Erik Sparf, the violinist on this album, is descended from a long line of Dalecarlian fiddlers and began playing folk music at an early age with his father.
Composer Biography
As a teenager, Sibelius, the composer, dreamed of becoming a master violinist, a goal he never achieved, which irked him for years.
Performer Biography
Bengt Forsberg, the pianist, often interprets unusual or unjustly neglected music and is a member of the Korngold Piano Trio.
Composition History
Sibelius's early works for violin and piano, including three sonatas, remained unpublished during his lifetime.
