Jean Sibelius

Quiz Yourself About the Life and Music of
Jen Sibelius

3.

What is considered to be Sibelius’s first major work?

Kullervo (1892). Kullervo is a symphony with chorus and soloists that is based on the Finnish National Epic, the Kalevala. It tells the story of Kullervo, one of the heroes of Finnish mythology. The story concerns the ill-fated character with magical powers named Kullervo. The story is as follows: growing up in the aftermath of the massacre of his entire tribe, Kullervo comes to realize that the same people who had brought him up, the tribe of Untamo, were also the ones who had slain his family. As a child, he is sold into slavery and mocked and tormented further. When he finally runs away from his masters, he discovers surviving members of his family, only to lose them again. He seduces a girl who turns out to be his sister, having thought his sister dead. When she finds out it was her own brother who seduced her, she commits suicide. Kullervo becomes mad with rage, returns to Untamo and his tribe, destroys them using his magical powers, and commits suicide. Have a quick listen below to the end of the second movement. POWERFUL AND MOVING MUSIC!  

Kullervo (excerpt)  1892

4.

Which two composers had a very strong influence on the early music of Sibelius?