Sibelius's father died of typhoid while treating those afflicted by the great famine of 1868, leading to the family's bankruptcy and his mother moving back to her mother's home.
Composition History
Sibelius burned some of his more German-style works in Vienna in 1891, and 54 years later, he burned his eagerly awaited Eighth Symphony in the fireplace at Ainola.
Cultural Impact
Sibelius's piece 'Finlandia' became a hit, arranged for various ensembles and its hymn section became a song in its own right with diverse lyrics, despite the composer's complaint that it wasn't meant for singing.
Composer Biography
Sibelius, originally named Johan Christian Julius Sibelius, adopted the cognomen Jean after finding his deceased seafaring uncle's calling cards printed with the French form of his first name.
Recording & Production
The recording of 'Andante festivo' on this album is the only existing recording of Sibelius conducting, made during a live broadcast from Finland to the World Fair in New York in 1939.
Composer Biography
Jean Sibelius, Finland's national composer, lived to be nearly 92 and died a rich man peacefully at his home, Ainola.
Performer Biography
The Violin Concerto on this album features young Pekka Kuusisto, who recorded it with the Helsinki Philharmonic under Leif Segerstam after becoming the first Finn to win the International Sibelius Violin Competition in December 1995.
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