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)
Hallé
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. Show less