Which composer composed finlandia

Here, we look at the story of this rousing, nationalistic work. But in his earlier career, nationalism was not only a driving force in some of his best-loved works, but also a response to very tangible historical and political pressures. Though educated in a Swedish school and not having learned Finnish until later in life, the composer nevertheless identified strongly with the culture of Finland — a culture that was, in the last years of the nineteenth century, straining at the leash of foreign influence.

From as far back as the Middle Ages, Finland was in the competing spheres of influence of the empires of Sweden and Russia. But in what ostensibly began as a temporary occupation of Finland by Russia in order to put strategic pressure on Sweden became an invasion that would last over a century. Later, it would prove a continual font of inspiration for Sibelius, whose patriotic feelings chimed in with many other Finnish dissenters. This was the political backdrop against which Finlandia was formed.

It was advertised as a fundraiser for pensions of newspaper workers, but its real purpose was to help finance a Finnish free press. This finale was so well-received that Sibelius revised it as a standalone piece the following year with the title Finlandia — a moniker suggested by an unknown fan.

As the work grew in popularity, however, it had to be performed under politically inoffensive pseudonyms to avoid Russian censorship. Probably inspired by a view over the area of Aulanko, Finlandia feels imbued with a sense of stately purpose, accumulating a feeling of giddy energy from the strident, almost martial brass fanfare and rolling timpani that open the piece. In the summer of , just as the world was beginning to wake up to Finlandia, Sibelius had been on a tour of Europe, ending up at the exposition Universelle in Paris, where he competed for attention with his new piece in the second ever Olympic Games of the modern era.

He wrote, "I can win a place, I believe, with my music. Sibelius later reworked the central part of the piece into a Finlandia Hymn, with words by Finnish poet Koskenniemi; 'Oh, Finland, behold your day is dawning. Listen out for the turbulent music representing the struggle of the Finnish people. Ten Pieces. BBC Ten Pieces - opening up the world of classical music to the next generation. Main content. Finlandia by Jean Sibelius.

You must enable JavaScript to play content. Finlandia by Sibelius: An exciting introduction Naomi Wilkinson explores Sibelius's ode to Finland with facts, insight and animation. Lesson plans: Six weeks of learning and activities Download lesson plans for six weeks of learning and activities for Finlandia, as Powerpoint presentations or PDFs. Arrangements: Play the piece with simplified parts All parts have been designed to work together to enable mixed-ability groups to perform together.

Notes from the arranger By Iain Farrington All parts have been designed to work together to enable mixed-ability groups to perform together. There are scores for each difficulty level plus three other scores for each piece: Grouped according to ability Grouped according to instrument type 'Short score' in C, grouped according to ability There are three ability levels — beginner, intermediate Grades and Grades Flute parts can be played by the violins Oboe parts can be played by the flutes and violins Trumpet parts in Bb can be played by the clarinets Violin parts can be played by the flutes except when in the lowest register The 'percussion' part is a beginner part and can be played on any drum.

It adds a simple rhythm layer to each piece. Ready to get creative? Take a look at our creative response showcase for inspiration. Upload creative response videos to showcase your pupils' work.

Watch the full performance.