Composer

:

Jean Sibelius

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1893

Average_duration

:

1:26

"Leave off foaming" is a choral work composed by the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. The piece was composed in 1899 and premiered in Helsinki on May 7th of the same year. It is a part of a larger work called "Six Songs for Male Choir," which was composed during Sibelius's early years as a composer. The piece is written for a male choir and is set to a text by the Finnish poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg. The text tells the story of a sailor who is caught in a storm at sea and is struggling to keep his ship afloat. The sailor calls out to the sea, asking it to calm down and leave off foaming so that he can make it safely to shore. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the sailor's struggle. The first movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and is characterized by a sense of urgency and tension. The choir sings in unison, creating a powerful and dramatic effect. The second movement is marked "Andante" and is more reflective in nature. The choir sings in a more subdued manner, with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The music is more lyrical and melodic, with a sense of longing and sadness. The final movement is marked "Allegro" and is the most triumphant of the three. The choir sings in a more joyful and celebratory manner, with a sense of relief and victory. The music is more upbeat and energetic, with a sense of hope and optimism. Overall, "Leave off foaming" is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Sibelius's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its dramatic and intense moments, as well as its more reflective and contemplative passages. It is a testament to Sibelius's ability to capture the essence of a text and bring it to life through music.

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