Good contact among musicians is the alpha and omega of orchestral work, especially tonight when the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra performs without a conductor. In the premiere of Sibelius's sixth symphony, the HPO was conducted the composer himself. At that time, the critic from the newspaper Uusi Suomi described the symphony as “the most complete, sensual and cultivated that Sibelius has created and that the author ever remembers hearing.” (20.2.1923) A tour of the orchestra’s hometown takes it to Kannelmäki Church before the concert at Musiikkitalo.
Jean Sibelius (1865–1957) composed his Fifth and Sixth Symphonies side by side, yet they could not be more different. The audience at the premiere by the HPO conducted by the maestro himself was not over-enthusiastic, and only with time have listeners learnt to appreciate the subtlety of the Sixth. They may seek in vain for romantic outpouring or modernist Angst, for the world of the Sixth is poetic, laconic and mysterious, as brief motifs are varied and examined from new perspectives. The orchestral texture is clear and polyphonic, its keys hovering between major and minor due to the use of archaic church modes.
In the first movement, light alternates with shadow, joy with sadness. The second is in playful mood, and towards the end Sibelius seems to conjure forth a magical forest complete with birdsong. The third movement has dramatic moments, while the finale builds up on ever greater waves of passion. But as it draws to a close, the passion is spent; the shadows grow longer.
Yes, but only before or after the concert. During the concert we just want you to enjoy the music. This way you won’t disturb the musicians or other audience members.
Only the orchestra has a dress code. You can dress as you like.
You can give the ticket to a friend or donate it to a music student by calling 09-3102 2700 or sending an e-mail to helsinki.philharmonic@hel.fi by 3pm on the day of the concert.
