5.15 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR

Few Composers have expressed the nature and life of their native country so completely as Sibelius, who shows forth the spirit of Finland.
The piece named after his country is built up out of short motifs which are set off against each other, rather than fully developed.
After a few impressive chords the religious-sounding First Tune is given out. A quicker, dance-like section follows and is succeeded by a warlike theme. A sad melody (not an actual folk-tune, though it sounds like one) is now heard. and the piece is soon rounded off by a Coda, based on one of its early motif
This is, perhaps, the most popular of Grieg's larger works. It was written in 1868, when the Composer was twenty-five. There are three Movements, the first of which will be played tonight:
After a preliminary flourish on the Piano, the First Main Tune, vigorous and romantic, is at once given out. It consists chiefly of a little curt phrase, which is repeated at great length. This whole (fairly long) Tune is repeated on the Piano (lightly accompanied). Then follows a longish of rapid, work.
At the end of this there is something of a climax, and then comes the beautiful Second Main Tune, a tranquil phrase played by the Orchestra. It is immediately taken up by the Piano, and eloquently elaborated.
The rest of the Movement is closely woven out of this