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- Thea Musgrave
Song of the Enchanter (1990)
- Novello & Co Ltd (World)
Commissioned by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra to honour the 125th anniversary of Sibelius's birth
In homage to Sibelius
- 2222/2230/timp.2perc/hp.pf/str
- 5 min 30 s
- 3rd May 2025, MTT Hall New World Center, Miami Beach, FL, United States of America
- 4th May 2025, MTT Hall New World Center, Miami Beach, FL, United States of America
Programme Note
This short work, written in the winter and spring of 1990, was commissioned by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra to honour the 125th anniversary of Sibelius' birth.
It is based on an episode from the Kalevala, the great Finnish epic, where Väinämäinen, the hero-God, has fashioned a magical five-stringed instrument from the bones of a giant pike. Orpheus-like, he plays upon it and enchants the people. All listen and all weep, their hearts melted. Even Väinämäinen weeps and his tears 'bigger than cranberries' fall into the clear waters of the deep blue sea. A sea bird dives down to retrieve his tears - they have ripened into pearls.
Song of the Enchanter was first performed on the 14th February 1991 by the Helsinki Philharmonic, conducted by James Loughran.
Media
Scores
Features
- Catalogue Classics: Jean Sibelius - Symphony No 5
- The fifth symphony by Jean Sibelius serves as a powerful foundation for any concert programme, offering a rich tapestry of themes that can be beautifully enhanced by a wide range of complementary orchestral works. Be inspired by music from the Wise Music catalogue to craft a well-rounded and cohesive concert programme around exploration of nature, nationalism, or resilience.
