Jean Sibelius, though primarily known for orchestral and symphonic works, composed 115 piano pieces across 19 opus numbers, plus many unnumbered works and transcriptions.
Recording & Production
The cover art for this album features 'Landscape in Korpilahti, 1913' by Yrjö Ollila, a Finnish artist, from the Finnish National Gallery collection.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Sibelius stated that he sometimes wrote piano pieces to earn money, and that his career should be judged by his orchestral works, yet he maintained a high quality in all his compositions.
Performer Biography
Eero Heinonen, the pianist on this album, has performed Sibelius's piano music extensively in Finland and internationally, and has been awarded the medal of the Sibelius Society, Hämeenlinna.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Sibelius's piano music often reflects his ability to conjure effective moods, stemming from his youth when he improvised on his violin based on nature and his experiences.
Compositional Technique
Sibelius's piano pieces feature sonorously innovative and colourful textures, with unconventional pedal use that creates an orchestral hum and spectrum of overtones without sacrificing clarity.
