Sibelius is widely recognized as the most important Finnish composer and is best known for his seven symphonies as well as his nationalistic tone poems, such as Finlandia (1899). By the early 1900s, Sibelius was internationally famous, but the economic troubles caused by World War I forced several symphony houses and publishers to temporarily close. Like many composers, Sibelius was therefore forced to rely mostly upon smaller compositions aimed at limited audiences to support him. The six pieces of opus 79 were written during this time period and the three selections today are frequently performed together because they provide three unique musical characters that blend well. The first piece is sentimental and reflective. The title Souvenir refers to a keepsake and the romantic melody in the violin can easily cause one to reminisce on a cherished memory. Tanz-Idylle is an idyllic dance with a whirlwind melody in the violin and cascading accompaniment in the piano. The final movement titled Berceuse is a tender lullaby with a soaring melody and gentle ending. Notes by Nicholas Johnson
Classical Music | Violin Music
Jean Sibelius
Souvenir, from 6 Pieces for Violin and Piano Play
Recorded on 02/01/2017, uploaded on 08/26/2017
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
Sibelius is widely recognized as the most important Finnish composer and is best known for his seven symphonies as well as his nationalistic tone poems, such as Finlandia (1899). By the early 1900s, Sibelius was internationally famous, but the economic troubles caused by World War I forced several symphony houses and publishers to temporarily close. Like many composers, Sibelius was therefore forced to rely mostly upon smaller compositions aimed at limited audiences to support him. The six pieces of opus 79 were written during this time period and the three selections today are frequently performed together because they provide three unique musical characters that blend well. The first piece is sentimental and reflective. The title Souvenir refers to a keepsake and the romantic melody in the violin can easily cause one to reminisce on a cherished memory. Tanz-Idylle is an idyllic dance with a whirlwind melody in the violin and cascading accompaniment in the piano. The final movement titled Berceuse is a tender lullaby with a soaring melody and gentle ending. Notes by Nicholas Johnson
More music by Jean Sibelius
Symphony No. 1 (Allegro)
Violin Concerto
The Spruce, Op. 75, No. 5
Symphony no. 5
Intermezzo, from the Karelia Suite Op. 11
Ballade, from Romantic Pieces, Op. 115
Norden Op. 90 No. 1
Violin Concerto - Adagio di Molto
Violin Concerto - Allegro, ma non tanto
Four Pieces, Op. 78
Performances by same musician(s)
Tango-Étude No. 3 for Solo Violin
Allegro appassionato, from Four Romantic Pieces, Op.75
Sonata for Violin and Piano (1963)
String Quartet No. 3, Op. 94
Tanz-Idylle, from 6 Pieces for Violin and Piano
Berceuse, from 6 Pieces for Violin and Piano
String Quartet in G Major, Op. 18, No. 2
Violin Sonata No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 12 No. 3
Violin Sonata, FP 119
String Trio in E-flat Major, Op. 3
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