Jean Sibelius - The Romantic Sibelius (Various Artists)

Information

Composer: Jean Sibelius

1. Symphony No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 39: II. Andante ma non troppo lento
2. Suite from "King Christian II", Op. 27: IIa. Élégie
3. Suite from "King Christian II", Op. 27: I. Nocturne
4. En saga, Op. 9
5. Kullervo, Op. 7: II. Kullervo's Youth
6. Romance in C Major, Op. 42
7. 2 Pieces from "Kuolema", Op. 44: No. 1, Valse triste
8. Rakastava, Op. 14: III. Hyvaa itlaa - Jaa hyvasti (Version for Orchestra)
9. Violin Concerto in D Minor, Op. 47: II. Adagio di molto
10. 6 Songs, Op. 36: No. 6, Demanten på marssnön (Arr. for Voice & Orchestra by Ivar Hellman)
11. 5 Songs, Op. 37: No. 4, Var det en dröm (Arr. for Voice & Orchestra by Ivar Hellman)
12. Pelléas et Mélisande, Op. 46: IX. The Death of Melisande
13. The Wood Nymph, Op. 15
14. Lemminkäinen Suite, Op. 22: I. Lemminkäinen and the Maidens of the Island
15. Symphony No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 39: IV. Finale (Quasi una fantasia). Andante - Allegro molto

Various Artists

Compilation: 2026

Label: Ondine

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This digital compilation presents 2.5 hours of some of Jean Sibelius’ most Romantic compositions, highlighting the enduring lyrical and emotional qualities that defined his musical identity. Deeply rooted in the National Romantic movement, Sibelius’ early works—including Kullervo, Symphony No. 1, and the Violin Concerto—reflect a rich expressive style and strong national character. Although his later artistic development moved toward a more Classical and refined idiom, Sibelius retained a lasting appreciation for his youthful compositions. These early masterpieces have continued to resonate with audiences worldwide and remain among his most celebrated and frequently admired works.

Jean Sibelius (1865–1957) emerged as Finland’s foremost composer during a period of strong national awakening, drawing lasting inspiration from Finnish language, folklore, and mythology despite his Swedish-speaking upbringing. Educated in Helsinki and Berlin, he built his career in Finland and became renowned for orchestral works that combined Romantic expression with national identity. His major achievements include seven symphonies, celebrated symphonic poems such as Finlandia and The Swan of Tuonela, as well as his demanding and widely performed Violin Concerto. Sibelius also composed stage music, chamber works, piano pieces, and over one hundred songs, though his later years were marked by creative silence after 1926.