Composer

:

Jean Sibelius

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Hymn

Compose Date

:

1938

Average_duration

:

3:21

'Finlandia Hymn, Op. 113/12' is a choral work composed by Jean Sibelius in 1899. It was originally part of a larger work, 'Finlandia', which was composed as a protest against the censorship and oppression of the Russian Empire, which controlled Finland at the time. The 'Finlandia Hymn' was later extracted from the larger work and has become one of Sibelius' most famous compositions. The 'Finlandia Hymn' premiered on November 4, 1899, at the opening of the Finnish Press Association's new house in Helsinki. The hymn was performed by a choir of 200 singers, accompanied by an orchestra. The performance was a great success, and the hymn quickly became a symbol of Finnish national identity. The 'Finlandia Hymn' is a simple and powerful piece of music, with a melody that is both stirring and melancholic. The hymn is in the key of C major and is written in a simple four-part harmony. The melody is based on a traditional Finnish folk song, which Sibelius adapted and developed into the hymn we know today. The 'Finlandia Hymn' is divided into two main sections. The first section is slow and contemplative, with the choir singing the words "Be still, my soul, the Lord is on thy side". The second section is faster and more triumphant, with the choir singing "Finland, behold, thy daylight now is dawning". The two sections are linked by a short instrumental interlude, which features a solo for the French horn. The 'Finlandia Hymn' is a deeply patriotic work, which expresses the Finnish people's longing for freedom and independence. The hymn has been used in many different contexts, from political rallies to religious services, and has become a symbol of Finnish national identity. Today, the 'Finlandia Hymn' is often performed as a standalone piece, and is widely regarded as one of Sibelius' greatest works.

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