Composer

:

Jean Sibelius

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1895

First Performance

:

Apr 13, 1896

Average_duration

:

47:53

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Jean Sibelius' 'Lemminkäinen Suite: Four Legends from the Kalevala, Op. 22' is a symphonic poem that was composed between 1895 and 1896. The suite is based on the Finnish epic poem 'Kalevala' and consists of four movements, each depicting a different legend from the poem. The suite premiered on April 13, 1896, in Helsinki, Finland, conducted by the composer himself. The suite was an instant success and established Sibelius as one of the leading composers of his time. The first movement, 'Lemminkäinen and the Maidens of Saari,' is a lively and energetic piece that depicts the hero Lemminkäinen's attempt to woo the maidens of Saari. The movement is characterized by its use of folk melodies and dance rhythms, which give it a distinctly Finnish flavor. The second movement, 'Lemminkäinen in Tuonela,' is a slow and somber piece that depicts Lemminkäinen's journey to the underworld. The movement is characterized by its use of dark and brooding harmonies, which create a sense of foreboding and mystery. The third movement, 'The Swan of Tuonela,' is a hauntingly beautiful piece that depicts the story of a swan that swims in the river of Tuonela, the Finnish underworld. The movement is characterized by its use of a solo English horn, which represents the swan's song. The final movement, 'Lemminkäinen's Return,' is a triumphant and energetic piece that depicts Lemminkäinen's return from the underworld. The movement is characterized by its use of brass fanfares and triumphant melodies, which create a sense of celebration and victory. Overall, Sibelius' 'Lemminkäinen Suite' is a masterpiece of Finnish music that showcases the composer's skill in creating vivid and evocative musical landscapes. The suite's use of folk melodies and Finnish mythology gives it a unique and distinctly Finnish character, making it a beloved work of Finnish classical music.

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