Jean Sibelius

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This acclaimed study, now available in English, examines Jean Sibelius's music within its biographical context, addressing the myths that have surrounded him for over a century. Utilizing numerous unpublished sources, Mäkelä's work repositions Sibelius as a musician and 'poet' of universal significance. The chapters delve into the composer's creativity, inspiration, influence, and his connection to nature and homeland. Accounts from those who knew him in his youth depict a bohemian figure amidst European decadence during the 'age of Carmen.' His key works, created between his third symphony and Tapiola, align with the modernistic mainstream. The 'Silence of Ainola,' Sibelius's last three decades, has fueled masculine clichés that the book seeks to deconstruct. Despite being one of the least political artists of his era, he became highly politicized and emerged as the foremost musical talent in the region, providing his nation with a distinct sound. The late 19th-century European affinity for Nordic culture played a significant role in shaping his legacy, with his wife Aino instrumental in crafting his image as a Nordic icon. The book critically examines this popular image and highlights how Sibelius's blend of regionalism and modernity appealed to Anglo-American audiences, even as these elements fell out of favor in continental Europe. The interpretation of his music continues to be influenced by notions of Finland and the N