Jean Sibelius: Selected Works

Jean Sibelius (1865 - 1957) was a Finnish composer of the late Romantic period. Most well-known for his seven symphonies, his music played an important role in the formation of the Finnish national identity. In addition to the symphonies, his best-known works include Finlandia, the Karelia Suite, Valse triste, the Violin Concerto in D minor, and The Swan of Tuonela (one of the four movements of the Lemminkäinen Suite). Other works include pieces inspired by the Finnish national epic the Kalevala, over one-hundred songs for voice and piano, incidental music for thirteen plays, the opera Jungfrun i tornet (The Maiden in the Tower), chamber music, piano music, Masonic ritual music, and choral music.

His works are performed frequently in the concert hall and are often recorded. The Finnish 100 mark bill featured his image until it was taken out of circulation in 2002. Since 2011, Finland has celebrated a Flag Day on 8 December, the composer's birthday, also known as the "Day of Finnish Music".

Romance, Op. 24, No. 9, in D-flat Major, was written in 1903. It features rolling right hand chordal accompaniment over a cello-like melody. The piece is fairly challenging in its later sections.

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