Jean Sibelius
Jean Sibelius, (1865-1957). Finnish composer. Although Sibelius studied in Berlin and Vienna, the main influence on his music was the national epic poem of Fin-land, the Kalevala. With financial help from the Finnish government, who gave him a ten-year grant, he wrote music based on episodes from Finnish mythology. His works include seven symphonies, a violin concerto, and a small number of chamber works. Based on Finnish legends, he wrote a number of tone poems, such as En Saga, The Swan of Tuonela, Pohjola’s Daughter, and Tapiola. Other orchestral works include Karelia, Finlandia, Valse Triste, and Belshazzar’s Feast. He ceased to compose after 1929.
