Overture From The Tempest Op.109 No.1 comes from an hour-long score of incidental music for orchestra by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. In 1925 Sibelius was commissioned by the Danish Royal Theatre to create incidental music for Shakespeare's The Tempest. The resulting 34 miniatures represent Sibelius at his most modernistic and it is both rousing and powerful yet elsewhere light gentle and airy fully reflecting the breadth and depth of Shakespeare’s characters.

Composed in 1898 Sibelius’ first symphony does not closely resemble the brass-heavy compositional style of his later symphonic works such as Finlandia for which he is well known. Instead the symphony reflects the lyrical style of works by Tchaikovsky and Brahms. Although Sibelius later denied having been influenced by either Tchaikovsky or Brahms the lyrical style and fewer use of Brass signifies that the piece emulates the symphonies of both composers.Sibelius’ Symphony No.1 in E Minor Op.29 is characterised by its use of string and woodwind solos; a Clarinet solo opens the first movement while Violin Viola and Cello solos featurein the later movements. Although classified originally as ‘Romantic’ some music historians argue that this piece composed at the turn of 20th Century should in fact be classified as ‘Modern’ as it certainly is a forward-looking and ground-breaking work.Available here is the miniature score of Sibelius’ first symphony which is ideal for study and perusal usage.

A symphony in one movement composed by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) in 1924. The work lasts approximately 22 minutes.

Original Version 1915-Full score for the original 1915 version of Symphony No. 5 Op. 82 by Jean Sibelius. Manuscript copy.

The Incidental music to Shakespeare's The Tempest by Jean Sibelius (1925-26) arranged by Jouni Kaipainen (2008).Parts are available for hire: hire@ewh.dk

Sibelius completed this work in February 1923 and conducted the premiere at Helsinki on February 19 of that same year. His first reference to the work in 1918 described it as wild and passionate in character. Dark with pastoral contrasts. Probably in 4 movements...intensifying in a dark orchestral swell [until] the main theme is drowned. At the same time he cautioned that his plan could change — and how it did! — depending on the way my musical thinking develops. I am always a slave to my themes and obey their demands.

Schauspiel Sprache der Vögel. Par SIBELIUS JEAN. From The Play 'Die Sprache Der Vögel'/ Répertoire / Orchestre