Now Available to Stream!

Simply Sibelius

Finnish composer Jean Sibelius had the ability to compose what might best be described as enormous, expansive “soundscapes” using a full 90- to 100-member symphony orchestra. He was personally very much in touch with the magnificent landscapes—all the natural beauty and the wildlife—of his native Finland. And he was able to translate his emotional responses into great washes of orchestral sound.

In this episode, Inside Music host George Marriner Maull explores some of the powerful symphonic moments in the final Third Movement of Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5, highlighting the composer’s use of musical devices such as ostinato, and what has come to be known among scholars as … the Swan Hymn!

This episode is additionally sponsored by Ginny Johnston.