Jean Sibelius, the composer, had an early career as a violinist, which, along with his experiences in Berlin and Vienna, shaped him as a composer.
Performer Biography
Thomas Jensen, the conductor, founded the Aarhus City Orchestra in January 1935, an ensemble that became central to his work for two decades.
Historical Context
Sibelius's Karelia Suite and Four Legends from the Kalevala took on significance as emblems of Finnish independence during a time of increasing Russian repression and Swedish cultural influence.
Performer Biography
Thomas Jensen, the conductor on this album, studied with Carl Nielsen, a prominent Danish composer, at the Royal Danish Conservatoire of Music.
Performer Biography
Thomas Jensen, the conductor, played cello in the Danish premieres of Beethoven's Ninth and Mahler's Fourth and Ninth symphonies.
Composition History
Sibelius's Karelia Suite was extracted from incidental music for a historical pageant in 1893, which featured Karelian folk costumes and art.
Performer Biography
Thomas Jensen, the conductor, also played cello in the first performances of Carl Nielsen's Fourth and Fifth symphonies, as well as most of Sibelius's symphonies, under the composers' batons.
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Sibelius: Symphony No. 6 / Pelleas & Melisande Suite
