The Cambridge Companion to Sibelius

An accessible and vivid introduction to life and music of Finland's greatest composer.

This Companion provides an accessible and vivid introduction to the life and music of Finland's greatest composer, Jean Sibelius. Placed in a wide perspective and considering the works themselves, their performance, reception and influence, Sibelius emerges as one of the most striking and individual figures in twentieth-century music.Jean Sibelius has gradually emerged as one of the most striking and influential figures in twentieth-century music, yet his work is only just beginning to receive the critical attention that its importance deserves. This Companion provides an accessible and vivid account of Sibelius's work in its historical and cultural context. Leading international scholars, from Finland, the United States and the UK, examine Sibelius's music from a range of critical perspectives, including nationalism, eroticism and the exotic, music and landscape, reception and musical influence. There are also chapters on recording and interpretation that offer fascinating insights into the performance of Sibelius's work. The book includes much material, drawing on scholarship, as well as providing a comprehensive introduction to Sibelius's major musical achievements.