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 Järvenpää".

Two Schybergson Songs, JS 224
Sångsällskapet 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 Järvi (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). Show less