Well, I think once before that you have expressed a particular fondness for Sibelius' Finlandia. Perhaps you can explain why. We unfortunately don't have an Australian version, although the English have their Elgarian Pomp and Circumstance marches. That listening and viewing experience took up only 46 Mb of download. So my internet hasn't been crippled by exceeding my download limit. It was interesting seeing the musicians in the orchestra in close-up, moving their fins over their instruments. The slow glacial opening of the piece was very grave, and we all know that you have a taste for Requiems. The main theme seemed foot-stompingly swifter and more rousing than usual. It was also the first time I have heard the middle section of the piece sung with a choir and that gave it an even more hymnal quality than when played just with the orchestra. Then a return to the rousing main theme with a bang took us out on a high. You could say that it was a great Finnish. Regards Chris.
Hi Chris, the reason I like Finlandia is that a long time ago, when my parents bought their first hifi record player, we had a record of Finlandia. That, along with German tenors and Operetta was my Mother's favourite record. The last couple of weeks were both her birthday and anniversary, and by chance I noticed Finlandia on my ipod. The choral part is indeed a hymn.I believe the original words are about Finnish nationalism, but the tune has also been used for the hymn "be still my soul".
Well, I think once before that you have expressed a particular fondness for Sibelius' Finlandia. Perhaps you can explain why. We unfortunately don't have an Australian version, although the English have their Elgarian Pomp and Circumstance marches. That listening and viewing experience took up only 46 Mb of download. So my internet hasn't been crippled by exceeding my download limit. It was interesting seeing the musicians in the orchestra in close-up, moving their fins over their instruments. The slow glacial opening of the piece was very grave, and we all know that you have a taste for Requiems. The main theme seemed foot-stompingly swifter and more rousing than usual. It was also the first time I have heard the middle section of the piece sung with a choir and that gave it an even more hymnal quality than when played just with the orchestra. Then a return to the rousing main theme with a bang took us out on a high. You could say that it was a great Finnish. Regards Chris.
ReplyDeleteHi Chris, the reason I like Finlandia is that a long time ago, when my parents bought their first hifi record player, we had a record of Finlandia. That, along with German tenors and Operetta was my Mother's favourite record. The last couple of weeks were both her birthday and anniversary, and by chance I noticed Finlandia on my ipod.
DeleteThe choral part is indeed a hymn.I believe the original words are about Finnish nationalism, but the tune has also been used for the hymn "be still my soul".