The revisions of Symphony No. 5 were delayed by Finland's independence in December 1917 and the subsequent civil war, which also influenced the composition of Symphonies No. 6 and 7.
Compositional Technique
Sibelius's Symphony No. 6, though nominally in D minor, uses the ancient Dorian mode, creating a sound beyond standard major-minor polarities.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Sibelius viewed a symphony not just as music in a certain number of bars, but as 'an expression of a spiritual creed, a phase in one's inner life.'
Composition History
Sibelius's Symphony No. 5 was commissioned by the Finnish government in 1915 to celebrate his 50th birthday.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Sibelius described the inspiration for a striking horn theme in his Symphony No. 5 as the sight of 16 swans in flight, calling it 'One of the great experiences of my life!'
Composition History
The Symphony No. 5 underwent extensive revisions in 1916 and 1919, after its original four-movement version premiered in 1915.
Compositional Technique
Sibelius's Symphony No. 7, originally conceived as a three or four-movement work, was ultimately structured as a single, continuous movement.
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