Episodes
| Series | Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 01 | Bearing The Banner Of Finnish Music | 20130820 | 20130819 (R3) | Donald Macleod focuses on the early years of Jean Sibelius, who would go on to create a distinctive Finnish voice in music in the late 19th and early 20th century. Born just outside Helsinki in 1865, Sibelius grew up in a Swedish-speaking household, within a Finland which had not yet gained independence from Russia. His first musical love was for the violin, and he relinquished his dream of becoming a concert violinist very reluctantly. Donald Macleod focuses on Sibelius's early years. |
| 2013 | 02 | Berlin, Vienna, Helsinki | 20130820 | Donald Macleod introduces music written by Sibelius during his period of study in Berlin, including his first work based on the Finnish national epic The Kalevala. Sibelius moved to Berlin armed with a scholarship amounting to 2000 Finnish marks, which was to pay for his tuition and maintenance for a year. What the young Finn experienced on his arrival was a quite severe culture shock. Back in Helsinki he was already a figure of national importance, but here in cosmopolitan Berlin, he was just one music student among many, and the place was alive with them. In this city where every musician he encountered seemed to be a virtuoso, Sibelius was intimidated. He found himself, initially, unable to compose at all. Donald Macleod introduces music written by Sibelius during his period of study in Berlin. | |
| 2013 | 03 | Sibelius The Patriot | 20130821 | Political tensions within Finland increased with the issuing of the 'February Manifesto' in 1899, designed to bring Finland into line with Mother Russia. Up to this time, although Sibelius had been drawing on explicitly Finish elements in his music in a broadly nationalist way, Sibelius took care to keep a safe distance from any kind of direct political involvement. But now, like all self-respecting Finns, Sibelius was incensed. Donald Macleod introduces some of the patriotic compositions the composer produced in the following years. Donald Macleod introduces Sibelius's patriotic compositions. | |
| 2013 | 04 | A Warning From Above | 20130822 | Years of heavy drinking had taken a toll on the health of Sibelius, to the extent that at the age of only 39, he had tremors in his hands. He was persuaded to move out of the city to a house in the countryside. But word had got around that he was in poor health and people who had funded him in the past turned their backs. Donald Macleod explores the music composed by Sibelius in this period, when, with health problems becoming more acute, the composer receives a 'warning from above'. Donald Macleod considers the effect of poverty and ill-health on Sibelius's music. | |
| 2013 | 05 LAST | Before The Silence | 20130823 | Donald Macleod reflects on Sibelius's final works before his famous period of silence. | |
| 2018 | 01 | Janne | 20180212 | 20200316 (R3) | Donald Macleod delves into the life and work of the man who is almost universally recognised as Finland's greatest ever composer - Jean Sibelius. Sibelius's music went a long way towards establishing a sense of national musical identity in Finland - a tradition that has flourished there ever since. Sibelius felt a strong connection with his homeland and the nature that flourished there, and the nationalist flavour of his works was highly appealing to a Finnish audience at a time when Finland was fighting for independence from Russia. In this episode, Donald explores Sibelius's youth as a promising violinist, the early impressions that the Finnish natural world had on the budding musician, and his time studying in both Helsinki and Berlin. Vattendroppar, JS 216 Yoshiko Arai (violin) Seppo Kimanen (cello) Violin Concerto in D minor, Op 47 Lisa Batiashvili (violin) Staatskapelle Berlin Daniel Barenboim (conductor) Serenad Anne Sofie von Otter (mezzo-soprano) Bengt Forsberg (piano) Piano Quintet in G minor, JS159 - 1st movement Folke Gr䀀sbeck (piano) Laura Vikman (violin) Jaakko Kuusisto (violin) Anna Kreetta Gribajcevic (viola) Joel Laakso (cello) Producer: Sam Phillips. Donald Macleod explores Sibelius's youth and musical studies in Helsinki and Berlin. |
| 2018 | 02 | From Happiness To Despair | 20180213 | 20200317 (R3) | Donald Macleod delves into the life and work of the man who is almost universally recognised as Finland's greatest ever composer - Jean Sibelius. Sibelius's music went a long way towards establishing a sense of national musical identity in Finland - a tradition that has flourished there ever since. Sibelius felt a strong connection with his homeland and the nature that flourished there, and the nationalist flavour of his works was highly appealing to a Finnish audience at a time when Finland was fighting for independence from Russia. In today's episode, Donald explores Sibelius's rise to prominence with his first big success, Kullervo, the Lemminkainen Suite and his First Symphony; and the problems - both financial and marital - which followed as a result of Sibelius's heavy drinking. Kullervo's Death (Kullervo) Karita Mattila (soprano) Jorma Hynninen (baritone) Laulun Yst䀀v䀀t Male Choir Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra Neeme J䀀rvi (conductor) Impromptu in B minor, Op 5 No 5 Leif Ove Andsnes (piano) The Swan of Tuonela (Lemminkainen Suite) Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra Leif Segerstam (conductor) Symphony No 1 (Finale) Minnesota Orchestra Osmo Vanska (conductor) Malinconia Steven Isserlis (cello) Olli Mustonen (piano) Producer: Sam Phillips Donald Macleod explores Sibelius's rise to prominence. |
| 2018 | 03 | Drowning Sorrows | 20180214 | 20200318 (R3) | Donald Macleod delves into the life and work of the man who is almost universally recognised as Finland's greatest ever composer - Jean Sibelius. Sibelius's music went a long way towards establishing a sense of national musical identity in Finland - a tradition that has flourished there ever since. Sibelius felt a strong connection with his homeland and the nature that flourished there, and the nationalist flavour of his works was highly appealing to a Finnish audience at a time when Finland was fighting for independence from Russia. In today's programme, Donald focuses on the political turmoil in Finland before the outbreak of the First World War, which included an arrest for Sibelius. He also charts a few of the composer's musical triumphs, including his Second Symphony which was adopted as an anthem of national freedom, and increasing personal troubles as his drinking spiralled out of control. Finlandia Hymn Dominate Choir Seppo Murto (director) Symphony No 2 (Finale) Hall退 Mark Elder (conductor) In Memoriam Turku Philharmonic Orchestra Leif Segerstam (conductor) Pohjola's Daughter Lahti Symphony Orchestra Osmo Vanska (conductor) The Maiden with the Roses (Swanwhite Suite) Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra Neeme Jarvi (conductor) Producer: Sam Phillips. Donald Macleod focuses on Sibelius's triumphs and troubles before the outbreak of WWI. |
| 2018 | 04 | A Mountain To Be Climbed | 20180215 | 20200319 (R3) | Donald Macleod delves into the life and work of the man who is almost universally recognised as Finland's greatest ever composer - Jean Sibelius. Sibelius's music went a long way towards establishing a sense of national musical identity in Finland - a tradition that has flourished there ever since. Sibelius felt a strong connection with his homeland and the nature that flourished there, and the nationalist flavour of his works was highly appealing to a Finnish audience at a time when Finland was fighting for independence from Russia. In today's programme, Donald explores Sibelius's years of enforced sobriety and his attempts to settle his mounting debts as the First World War loomed on the horizon. We'll hear from his next two symphonies - his 4th and 5th - along with one of Sibelius's most performed works - the Valse triste from his incidental music to the play Kuomela. Valse triste (Kuomela) Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Lorin Maazel (conductor) Symphony No 4 BBC Philharmonic John Storgards (conductor) Bells of Kallio Church 1996 Recording - Kallio Church, Helsinki, Finland Symphony No 5 (Finale) Boston Symphony Orchestra Sir Colin Davis (conductor) Producer: Sam Phillips. Donald Macleod explores Sibelius's years of enforced sobriety. |
| 2018 | 05 LAST | A Mystery At The End | 20180216 | 20200320 (R3) | Donald Macleod delves into the life and work of the man who is almost universally recognised as Finland's greatest ever composer - Jean Sibelius. Sibelius's music went a long way towards establishing a sense of national musical identity in Finland - a tradition that has flourished there ever since. Sibelius felt a strong connection with his homeland and the nature that flourished there, and the nationalist flavour of his works was highly appealing to a Finnish audience at a time when Finland was fighting for independence from Russia. In the final programme of the week, Donald focuses on Sibelius's final years when his period of abstinence from alcohol and cigars lapsed, he worked on the mysterious Eighth Symphony, and then retreated to the 'silence of J䀀rvenp䀀䀀'. Two Schybergson Songs, JS 224 S倀ngs䀀llskapet Orphei Drangar Robert Sund (director) Symphony No 6 London Symphony Orchestra Sir Colin Davis (conductor) Chorus of the Winds; Prospero; Dance Episode (The Tempest Suite No 2) Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra Neeme J䀀rvi (conductor) Andante festivo Finnish Radio Orchestra Jean Sibelius (conductor) Song of My Heart, Op 18 no 6 Ylioppilaskunnan Laulajat Male Voice Choir Matti Hyokki (director). Donald Macleod explores Sibelius's final years and the mysterious 'silence of Jarvenpaa'. |
| 2021 | 01 | Sober, Rejuvenated, Broke: 1910-11 | 20211122 | 20240205 (R3) | Donald Macleod hears how, having survived a serious health scare, Sibelius began the 1910s creatively rejuvenated. The 1910s were a crucial decade in Sibelius's life. He would write some of his greatest works during these ten years, including his fourth and fifth symphonies and the beginnings of his sixth. Sibelius's meditations on the symphony and its role in his creative life are a recurring theme in the week's programmes. This period also reflects Sibelius's life in microcosm, including his battles with alcohol and indebtedness; his need for the stimulus of foreign travel, and the periods of creative inertia, which would decisively return during his later years. We travel around the world with Sibelius, returning to Finland at the outbreak of the First World War, which would have a major impact on his life and work, not least with the Finnish Civil War of 1918 and Finland's subsequent independence: these were formative events for Sibelius. In this episode, Donald Macleod hears how - having survived a serious health scare - Sibelius began the decade creatively rejuvenated. He vowed to forsake the drinking and smoking which had beleaguered him until now. But he was also in debt to the tune of ten years' average earnings. Sibelius's perilous financial situation caused him constant anxiety and paranoia throughout this decade, ultimately leading him back towards alcohol. In memoriam, Op. 59 (revised version 1910) Lahti Symphony Orchestra Osmo Vänskä, conductor Symphony No. 4 in A minor, Op. 63 I - Tempo molto moderato, quasi adagio II - Allegro molto vivace City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Sakari Oramo, conductor String Quartet in D minor, Op. 56, 'Voces Intimae II – Vivace III – Adagio di molto Emerson String Quartet Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 III. Allegro ma non tanto Viktoria Mullova, violin Boston Symphony Orchestra Seiji Ozawa, conductor Donald Macleod hears how Sibelius began the 1910s creatively rejuvenated. |
| 2021 | 01 | Sober, Rejuvenated, Broke: 1910-11 | 20211122 | Donald Macleod hears how, having survived a serious health scare, Sibelius began the 1910s creatively rejuvenated. The 1910s were a crucial decade in Sibelius's life. He would write some of his greatest works during these ten years, including his fourth and fifth symphonies and the beginnings of his sixth. Sibelius's meditations on the symphony and its role in his creative life are a recurring theme in the week's programmes. This period also reflects Sibelius's life in microcosm, including his battles with alcohol and indebtedness; his need for the stimulus of foreign travel, and the periods of creative inertia, which would decisively return during his later years. We travel around the world with Sibelius, returning to Finland at the outbreak of the First World War, which would have a major impact on his life and work, not least with the Finnish Civil War of 1918 and Finland's subsequent independence: these were formative events for Sibelius. In this episode, Donald Macleod hears how - having survived a serious health scare - Sibelius began the decade creatively rejuvenated. He vowed to forsake the drinking and smoking which had beleaguered him until now. But he was also in debt to the tune of ten years' average earnings. Sibelius's perilous financial situation caused him constant anxiety and paranoia throughout this decade, ultimately leading him back towards alcohol. In memoriam, Op. 59 (revised version 1910) Lahti Symphony Orchestra Osmo V䀀nsk䀀, conductor Symphony No. 4 in A minor, Op. 63 I - Tempo molto moderato, quasi adagio II - Allegro molto vivace City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Sakari Oramo, conductor String Quartet in D minor, Op. 56, 'Voces Intimae II - Vivace III - Adagio di molto Emerson String Quartet Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 III. Allegro ma non tanto Viktoria Mullova, violin Boston Symphony Orchestra Seiji Ozawa, conductor Donald Macleod hears how Sibelius began the 1910s creatively rejuvenated. | |
| 2021 | 02 | Going International: 1912-13 | 20211123 | 20240206 (R3) | Donald Macleod looks at the impact Sibelius's international travels and meetings with fellow composers had on his work and his outlook. The 1910s were a crucial decade in Sibelius's life. He would write some of his greatest works during these ten years, including his fourth and fifth symphonies and the beginnings of his sixth. Sibelius's meditations on the symphony and its role in his creative life are a recurring theme in the week's programmes. This period also reflects Sibelius's life in microcosm, including his battles with alcohol and indebtedness; his need for the stimulus of foreign travel, and the periods of creative inertia, which would decisively return during his later years. We travel around the world with Sibelius, returning to Finland at the outbreak of the First World War, which would have a major impact on his life and work, not least with the Finnish Civil War of 1918 and Finland's subsequent independence: these were formative events for Sibelius. In this programme, Donald Macleod catches up with Sibelius on his fourth visit to Britain, hearing about his interactions with British composers such as Frederick Delius and Arnold Bax, who described Sibelius's appearance as giving him “the notion that he had never laughed in his life, and never could. ? We also hear about Sibelius's later adventures in England too, as he caroused around London with Ferruccio Busoni, to the despair of Henry Wood. Kallion kirkon kellosavel (The Bells of Kallio Church), Op. 65b Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir Heikki Seppanen, conductor Two Serenades Op. 69 Pekka Kuusisto, violin Tapiola Sinfonietta Rakastava (The Lover), Op. 14 Tom Nyman, tenor YL Male Voice Choir Lahti Symphony Orchestra Osmo Vänskä, conductor Piano Sonatina in F sharp minor, Op. 67, No. 1 Leif Ove Andsnes, piano Luonnotar (Daughter of Nature) Op. 70 Soile Isokoski, soprano Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra Leif Segerstam, conductor Barden (The Bard), Op. 64 John Storgårds, conductor Donald Macleod looks at the impact of Sibelius's international travels on his outlook. In this programme, Donald Macleod catches up with Sibelius on his fourth visit to Britain, hearing about his interactions with British composers such as Frederick Delius and Arnold Bax, who described Sibelius's appearance as giving him `the notion that he had never laughed in his life, and never could.` We also hear about Sibelius's later adventures in England too, as he caroused around London with Ferruccio Busoni, to the despair of Henry Wood. Osmo V䀀nsk䀀, conductor John Storg倀rds, conductor |
| 2021 | 03 | America: 1914 | 20211124 | 20240207 (R3) | Donald Macleod explores Sibelius's time on tour in America. The 1910s were a crucial decade in Sibelius's life. He would write some of his greatest works during these ten years, including his fourth and fifth symphonies and the beginnings of his sixth. Sibelius's meditations on the symphony and its role in his creative life are a recurring theme in the week's programmes. This period also reflects Sibelius's life in microcosm, including his battles with alcohol and indebtedness; his need for the stimulus of foreign travel, and the periods of creative inertia, which would decisively return during his later years. We travel around the world with Sibelius, returning to Finland at the outbreak of the First World War, which would have a major impact on his life and work, not least with the Finnish Civil War of 1918 and Finland's subsequent independence: these were formative events for Sibelius. In this episode Donald Macleod finds Sibelius feted as a celebrity whilst on tour in America, where he met American composers and former Presidents, conducted orchestras whose technical ability far exceeded those in Finland, received an honorary doctorate from Yale University, and visited New York City and the Niagara Falls. But Sibelius had to play down these glamorous experiences with his family, they having been left in Finland on account of the cost. Sibelius's travels had already caused marital friction, and this was one expedition too far. Rows ensued. Lemminkainen Suite, Op. 22 IV. Lemminkainen's Return Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra Paavo Järvi, conductor The Oceanides, Op. 73 Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra Leif Segerstam, conductor 6 Partsongs, Op. 18 (version for mixed chorus) No. 1. Sortunut aani (The Broken Voice) No. 3. Venematka (The Boat Journey) No. 4. Saarella palaa (Fire on the Island) No. 6. Sydameni laulu (Song of my Heart) Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir Heikki Seppanen, conductor Four Lyric Pieces, Op. 74 Joseph Tong, piano Two Pieces for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 77 Mikaela Palmu, violin Turku Philharmonic Orchestra Donald Macleod explores Sibelius's time in America. |
| 2021 | 03 | America: 1914 | 20211124 | Donald Macleod explores Sibelius's time on tour in America. The 1910s were a crucial decade in Sibelius's life. He would write some of his greatest works during these ten years, including his fourth and fifth symphonies and the beginnings of his sixth. Sibelius's meditations on the symphony and its role in his creative life are a recurring theme in the week's programmes. This period also reflects Sibelius's life in microcosm, including his battles with alcohol and indebtedness; his need for the stimulus of foreign travel, and the periods of creative inertia, which would decisively return during his later years. We travel around the world with Sibelius, returning to Finland at the outbreak of the First World War, which would have a major impact on his life and work, not least with the Finnish Civil War of 1918 and Finland's subsequent independence: these were formative events for Sibelius. In this episode Donald Macleod finds Sibelius feted as a celebrity whilst on tour in America, where he met American composers and former Presidents, conducted orchestras whose technical ability far exceeded those in Finland, received an honorary doctorate from Yale University, and visited New York City and the Niagara Falls. But Sibelius had to play down these glamorous experiences with his family, they having been left in Finland on account of the cost. Sibelius's travels had already caused marital friction, and this was one expedition too far. Rows ensued. Lemminkainen Suite, Op. 22 IV. Lemminkainen's Return Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra Paavo J䀀rvi, conductor The Oceanides, Op. 73 Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra Leif Segerstam, conductor 6 Partsongs, Op. 18 (version for mixed chorus) No. 1. Sortunut aani (The Broken Voice) No. 3. Venematka (The Boat Journey) No. 4. Saarella palaa (Fire on the Island) No. 6. Sydameni laulu (Song of my Heart) Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir Heikki Seppanen, conductor Four Lyric Pieces, Op. 74 Joseph Tong, piano Two Pieces for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 77 Mikaela Palmu, violin Turku Philharmonic Orchestra Donald Macleod explores Sibelius's time in America. | |
| 2021 | 04 | The Sixteen Swans: 1915-16 | 20211125 | Donald Macleod explores Sibelius's battles with his Fifth Symphony, which reflected his precarious mental state. The 1910s were a crucial decade in Sibelius's life. He would write some of his greatest works during these ten years, including his fourth and fifth symphonies and the beginnings of his sixth. Sibelius's meditations on the symphony and its role in his creative life are a recurring theme in the week's programmes. This period also reflects Sibelius's life in microcosm, including his battles with alcohol and indebtedness; his need for the stimulus of foreign travel, and the periods of creative inertia, which would decisively return during his later years. We travel around the world with Sibelius, returning to Finland at the outbreak of the First World War, which would have a major impact on his life and work, not least with the Finnish Civil War of 1918 and Finland's subsequent independence: these were formative events for Sibelius. In this programme, Donald Macleod hears Sibelius's meditations on what the symphony meant to him, `more of an inner confession at a given stage of one's life`. The symphonic form was the very core of his compositional world, always in the back of his mind, even when he was working on non-orchestral works. Here we explore the genesis of Sibelius's mighty Fifth Symphony, including its many aborted starts, which came to him in such quantity and quality that they spawned the later Symphonies No 6 and No 7, in addition to Tapiola. All the while, the natural world surrounding Sibelius's home continued to inspire his work, not least the play of the seasons, and the sight and sound of sixteen swans in flight which he described as, `One of my greatest experiences! Lord God, that beauty!` This experience stayed with him for the rest of his life, and gave his symphony's finale its theme. Sonatina Op. 80 for violin and piano Nils-Erik Sparf, violin Bengt Forsberg, piano Jokamies (Everyman), Op. 83 IV. Tanssilaulu (Dance Song) X. Allegro molto Turku Philharmonic Orchestra Leif Segerstam, conductor Symphony No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 82 London Symphony Orchestra Colin Davis, conductor | |
| 2021 | 04 | The Sixteen Swans: 1915-16 | 20211125 | 20240208 (R3) | Donald Macleod explores Sibelius's battles with his Fifth Symphony, which reflected his precarious mental state. The 1910s were a crucial decade in Sibelius's life. He would write some of his greatest works during these ten years, including his fourth and fifth symphonies and the beginnings of his sixth. Sibelius's meditations on the symphony and its role in his creative life are a recurring theme in the week's programmes. This period also reflects Sibelius's life in microcosm, including his battles with alcohol and indebtedness; his need for the stimulus of foreign travel, and the periods of creative inertia, which would decisively return during his later years. We travel around the world with Sibelius, returning to Finland at the outbreak of the First World War, which would have a major impact on his life and work, not least with the Finnish Civil War of 1918 and Finland's subsequent independence: these were formative events for Sibelius. In this programme, Donald Macleod hears Sibelius's meditations on what the symphony meant to him, “more of an inner confession at a given stage of one's life ?. The symphonic form was the very core of his compositional world, always in the back of his mind, even when he was working on non-orchestral works. Here we explore the genesis of Sibelius's mighty Fifth Symphony, including its many aborted starts, which came to him in such quantity and quality that they spawned the later Symphonies No 6 and No 7, in addition to Tapiola. All the while, the natural world surrounding Sibelius's home continued to inspire his work, not least the play of the seasons, and the sight and sound of sixteen swans in flight which he described as, “One of my greatest experiences! Lord God, that beauty! ? This experience stayed with him for the rest of his life, and gave his symphony's finale its theme. Sonatina Op. 80 for violin and piano Nils-Erik Sparf, violin Bengt Forsberg, piano Jokamies (Everyman), Op. 83 IV. Tanssilaulu (Dance Song) X. Allegro molto Turku Philharmonic Orchestra Leif Segerstam, conductor Symphony No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 82 London Symphony Orchestra Colin Davis, conductor |
| 2021 | 05 LAST | Internal Battles: 1917-19 | 20211126 | Donald Macleod explores the end of Sibelius's seven teetotal years in the context of the Finnish Civil War. The 1910s were a crucial decade in Sibelius's life. He would write some of his greatest works during these ten years, including his fourth and fifth symphonies and the beginnings of his sixth. Sibelius's meditations on the symphony and its role in his creative life are a recurring theme in the week's programmes. This period also reflects Sibelius's life in microcosm, including his battles with alcohol and indebtedness; his need for the stimulus of foreign travel, and the periods of creative inertia, which would decisively return during his later years. We travel around the world with Sibelius, returning to Finland at the outbreak of the First World War, which would have a major impact on his life and work, not least with the Finnish Civil War of 1918 and Finland's subsequent independence: these were formative events for Sibelius. In this programme Donald Macleod hears how Sibelius's seven years of abstinence from alcohol were regarded by his wife Aino as the happiest of her married life. But now, feeling ignored and neglected by the music-going public during the war, and missing his foreign travels, Sibelius hit the bottle again, fracturing his domestic and professional relationships. External events were overtaking Finland's isolation from the war. Civil war followed Germany's defeat. Now his own home was intruded on and searched by the Red Guards, whilst Sibelius and his family were forbidden from leaving it. Jaakarien marssi (Jager March), Op. 91a (version for orchestra) Kuopio Symphony Orchestra Atso Almila, conductor Humoresques for Violin and Orchestra, Op.87 Tapiola Sinfonietta Pekka Kuusisto,violin, conductor Oma maa (Our Native Land), Op. 92 Helsinki University Chorus Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra Paavo Berglund, conductor Symphony No. 6 in D minor, Op. 104 London Symphony Orchestra Colin Davis, conductor | |
| 2021 | 05 LAST | Internal Battles: 1917-19 | 20211126 | 20240209 (R3) | Donald Macleod explores the end of Sibelius's seven teetotal years in the context of the Finnish Civil War. The 1910s were a crucial decade in Sibelius's life. He would write some of his greatest works during these ten years, including his fourth and fifth symphonies and the beginnings of his sixth. Sibelius's meditations on the symphony and its role in his creative life are a recurring theme in the week's programmes. This period also reflects Sibelius's life in microcosm, including his battles with alcohol and indebtedness; his need for the stimulus of foreign travel, and the periods of creative inertia, which would decisively return during his later years. We travel around the world with Sibelius, returning to Finland at the outbreak of the First World War, which would have a major impact on his life and work, not least with the Finnish Civil War of 1918 and Finland's subsequent independence: these were formative events for Sibelius. In this programme Donald Macleod hears how Sibelius's seven years of abstinence from alcohol were regarded by his wife Aino as the happiest of her married life. But now, feeling ignored and neglected by the music-going public during the war, and missing his foreign travels, Sibelius hit the bottle again, fracturing his domestic and professional relationships. External events were overtaking Finland's isolation from the war. Civil war followed Germany's defeat. Now his own home was intruded on and searched by the Red Guards, whilst Sibelius and his family were forbidden from leaving it. Jaakarien marssi (Jager March), Op. 91a (version for orchestra) Kuopio Symphony Orchestra Atso Almila, conductor Humoresques for Violin and Orchestra, Op.87 Tapiola Sinfonietta Pekka Kuusisto,violin, conductor Oma maa (Our Native Land), Op. 92 Helsinki University Chorus Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra Paavo Berglund, conductor Symphony No. 6 in D minor, Op. 104 London Symphony Orchestra Colin Davis, conductor |