Sibelius Volume I: 1865-1905: Erik Tawaststjerna

Synopsis:

Erik Tawaststjerna embarked on his authoritative study of Sibelius in 1960, and it occupied him for over a quarter of a century. His book differs from other work on the composer in one important respect: he had unrestricted access to the composer’s papers, diaries and letters as well as the advantage of numerous conversations with the composer’s widow and other members of the family. Thus his researches can justifiably claim to have thrown entirely fresh light on the great Finnish composer. Far from the remote personality of the Sibelius legend, Sibelius emerges as a highly colourful figure.

Translated by Robert Layton, himself a Sibelius specialist, this first volume (the first of three) takes us up to the period of the Second Symphony and the Violin Concerto, with perceptive and searching studies of the music including a number of early works, The Burning of the Boat, the Kullervo Symphony and the two versions of En Saga.

‘A remarkable and deeply impressive book. The English text unquestionably succeeds in giving a subtle and scholarly rendering of a profound study of Sibelius and his music.’ Economist

Tags:

Categorised as:
Non-fiction
Sub-categories:
Classical Music
Places:
Finland
People & Characters:
Sibelius
Genres & Themes:
Composers; Diaries; Faber Finds; Letters; Musicology
Related Articles:
Translating Tawaststjerna
Sibelius Volume I: 1865-1905 book cover

Selected edition:
Paperback
ISBN:
9780571247721
Published:
11.12.2008
No of pages:
344
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