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Donald Macleod explores Sibelius’s time on tour in America.

The 1910s were a crucial decade in Sibelius’s life. He would write some of his greatest works during these ten years, including his fourth and fifth symphonies and the beginnings of his sixth. Sibelius’s meditations on the symphony and its role in his creative life are a recurring theme in the week’s programmes. This period also reflects Sibelius’s life in microcosm, including his battles with alcohol and indebtedness; his need for the stimulus of foreign travel, and the periods of creative inertia, which would decisively return during his later years. We travel around the world with Sibelius, returning to Finland at the outbreak of the First World War, which would have a major impact on his life and work, not least with the Finnish Civil War of 1918 and Finland’s subsequent independence: these were formative events for Sibelius.

In this episode Donald Macleod finds Sibelius feted as a celebrity whilst on tour in America, where he met American composers and former Presidents, conducted orchestras whose technical ability far exceeded those in Finland, received an honorary doctorate from Yale University, and visited New York City and the Niagara Falls. But Sibelius had to play down these glamorous experiences with his family, they having been left in Finland on account of the cost. Sibelius’s travels had already caused marital friction, and this was one expedition too far. Rows ensued.

Lemminkainen Suite, Op. 22
IV. Lemminkainen's Return
Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
Paavo Järvi, conductor

The Oceanides, Op. 73
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
Leif Segerstam, conductor

6 Partsongs, Op. 18 (version for mixed chorus)
No. 1. Sortunut aani (The Broken Voice)
No. 3. Venematka (The Boat Journey)
No. 4. Saarella palaa (Fire on the Island)
No. 6. Sydameni laulu (Song of my Heart)
Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Heikki Seppanen, conductor

Four Lyric Pieces, Op. 74
Joseph Tong, piano

Two Pieces for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 77
Mikaela Palmu, violin
Turku Philharmonic Orchestra
Leif Segerstam, conductor