Light in the Darkness

The extreme northern region of Europe, otherwise known as Scandinavia, is known for its peculiar Sun cycles. Being so far to the North at times the sun will only just barely dip below the horizon thus it is called the Land of the Midnight Sun. The unusual weather in Finland as well as the exceptional beauty of the landscape has influenced many artists over the years. This has produced a distinctly Finnish styling to their works. Jean Sibelius is no exception.

Sibelius reflected the influences of his time in many ways but there are two that are particularly evident in his music. The first was the political mood and kindled nationalism and the second was the haunting beauty of his native Finland.

The time in which Jean Sibelius wrote his only violin concerto was a period of great change. This late romantic period is also known for the rise of Finnish nationalism. The people were trying to identify what uniquely belongs to them. Sibelius became a dominant character in the development of the Finnish culture through his music. In fact it could be said that Sibelius epitomized the Finnish character in his music. He allowed the music to grow organically stripping away the unnecessary elements. Many of his works were also based on Finnish poetry and national sentiment. One particularly patriotic example is his work titled Finlandia.

The other influence that so colored Sibelius’ work was his overwhelming connection to nature and in particular his native landscape. Erik Tawaststjerna a biographer of the composer wrote of him:

“Even by Nordic standards, Sibelius responded with exceptional intensity to the moods of nature and the changes in the seasons: he scanned the skies with his binoculars for the geese flying over the lake ice, listened to the screech of the cranes, and heard the cries of the curlew echo over the marshy grounds just below Ainola. He savoured the spring blossoms every bit as much as he did autumnal scents and colours.” (Tawaststjerna, Erik; Robert Layton (Translator) (1976–1986). Sibelius)

Both of these influences can be seen, or rather heard, in the Violin Concerto in D minor, Op.47 (1903/1905). But there is one final element that is perhaps more telling than the rest. Sibelius loved the violin. He studied long hours to become a violin soloist only to discover that he had embarked on this journey too late. The violin concerto with its virtuosic passion allowed Sibelius to live his dream vicariously.

Perhaps it is fitting that this concert that features a Finnish composer and a Finnish conductor be entitled Land of the Midnight Music.

Utah Symphony presents
Land of the Midnight Music
October 10 & 11, 2008 @ 8 PM
Abravanel Hall

Hannu Lintu, conductor
Henning Kraggerud, violin

Strauss ~ Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche
Sibelius ~ Concerto for Violin in D minor
Schumann ~ Symphony No. 2 in C major

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