A peek into Sibelius' Finland

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a peek into Sibelius’ finland

A peek into Sibelius' Finland

Known for his set of seven symphonies and compositions such as Finlandia, the Karelia Suite and Valse Triste, Jean Sibelius was and still is the most respected and best known Finnish composer of all time.

There has perhaps never been another composer who has so vividly and veraciously been able to capture the nature, history and myths of his own people in his notes. In addition, Sibelius’ music had a very significant role in the independence process of Finland.

About Finland

Full of interesting contrasts, such as the four seasons, the Midnight Sun and winter darkness, urban and rural, East and West.

About Finland

capturing music in a Monument

The Sibelius Monument in Helsinki is one of the capital’s most visited and adored attractions. It is located in the Sibelius Park, in the district of Töölö, just a stone throw away from the sea. The abstract – and at the time controversial – monument was unveiled in 1967. The aim of this majestic piece is to capture the essence of Sibelius’ music – many would agree that it lives to expectations.

BirthTOWN of Jean Sibelius

A perfect place to start the walk through Sibelius’ life is in his hometown in the city of Hämeenlinna, about 98 kilometres northwest of Helsinki. Here Sibelius went to school, explored the forests, spent hours fishing in the lake, and skiing in winter.

As a young boy Sibelius especially loved the forest in Aulanko, currently a Nature Reserve Park.

…and the house sibelius was born in

Jean Sibelius was born on a cold winter’s day, with -17 degrees celsius outside, on December 8, 1865.

He was born in a quaint and small wooden house, built in 1834, near the old church and the main market square. It is now a museum and a place of pilgrimage for Sibelius’ fans. Although his life in this house was quite short lived, he is often quoted on one of his fondest childhood memories of this time: the aroma of his father’s cigar in the house.

On one of the walls of the museum hang paintings from the Sibelius nursery and his piano is also there on display. Students of the Hämeenlinna Sibelius College often give concerts in the museum.

The Villa of Ainola

In 1904 Jean Sibelius and his wife Aino moved to Ainola on the shores of Lake Tuusula. The land was expensive but Sibelius needed the distance and peace of mind to concentrate on his work.

The house was designed by Lars Sonck, one of the cutting edge architects of the time. Ainola was the Sibelius’ home for over half a century and it was in here where Sibelius composed most of his works. The first major compositions he completed at Ainola were his Violin Concerto and his Third Symphony.

Late night drinking at the Kämp

Hotel Kämp in central Helsinki was by far Sibelius’ favorite hangout place. Together with other great names – such as the great painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela and national poet Eino Leino – Sibelius frequented the bar so often that even his music has reputedly been inspired by the place. Hotel Kämp is 125 years old today and as magnificent as ever.

2015: Year of Sibelius

The year 2015 marks the 150^th anniversary of the birth of Jean Sibelius. The year will be full of Sibelius related events around the country and also abroad. Museum exhibitions, concerts, pilgrimages to places dear to the composer are amongst these.

In Sibelius’ hometown Hämeenlinna visitors can enjoy Sibelius’ four seasons, starting from January 2015: Sibelius Winter, Sibelius Spring, Sibelius Summer and Sibelius Autumn. The culmination for all these events will be in December 2015 with the grand Sibelius Celebration.

N.B. Until end of March 2015 the Ateneum Art Museum holds an extensive jubilee exhibition, exploring the composer’s contact with the art scene of his day:

Sibelius was surrounded by art both in his youth and in his later years. Aino and Jean Sibelius’ artists friends and relatives were often at Ainola and the Sibelius family’s art collection provided a background for the composer’s work. Sibelius inspired reknown Finnish artist such as the painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela and he dedicated his fourth symphony to his brother-in-law the Finnish realist painter Eero Järnefelt. The exhibition Sibelius and the world of Art explores the relationship between the composer and the art scene of his time. The catalogue of the exhibition can also be found in English.

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a peek into Sibelius’ finland