Composer

:

Jean Sibelius

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Tone Poem

Compose Date

:

1895

Average_duration

:

6:30

Jean Sibelius' "Lemminkäinen's Return, Op. 22/4" is a symphonic poem that was composed in 1895. It is part of a larger work called the "Lemminkäinen Suite," which is based on the Finnish epic poem "Kalevala." The suite consists of four movements, and "Lemminkäinen's Return" is the final movement. The premiere of the "Lemminkäinen Suite" took place in Helsinki on April 13, 1896, with the composer conducting. The suite was well-received, and it helped establish Sibelius as one of the leading composers of his time. "Lemminkäinen's Return" is a powerful and dramatic piece of music that tells the story of the hero Lemminkäinen's return from the underworld. The movement begins with a slow and mournful melody that represents Lemminkäinen's journey through the underworld. The music gradually builds in intensity as Lemminkäinen approaches the surface, and it reaches a climax as he emerges from the underworld and returns to the land of the living. The movement is characterized by its use of orchestral color and texture. Sibelius employs a wide range of instruments, including horns, trumpets, and timpani, to create a rich and vibrant sound. The music is also notable for its use of folk melodies and rhythms, which give the piece a distinctly Finnish flavor. Overall, "Lemminkäinen's Return" is a powerful and evocative piece of music that showcases Sibelius' skill as a composer. Its use of orchestral color and folk elements make it a quintessentially Finnish work, and it remains a popular and frequently-performed piece to this day.

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