In a diary entry of 1 August 1912, Sibelius compared his Fourth Symphony to a river: ”It is composed of innumerable tributaries, brooks and streams and eventually broadens majestically before flowing into the sea”. It was typical of the composer to find inspiration in the natural scenery of his native Finland and indeed his music has been dubbed as being ”rooted firmly in the forests”. During this course we will explore the inspiration for some of his most famous compositions: the seven symphonies, the violin concerto, the tone poems Tapiola and the Swan of Tuonela, and, of course, Finalndia.

In addition to the ten lectures, there will be trips to two concerts to hear works discussed during the course. (Please note that these are not included in the £70 course cost).

Who’s the course for? Anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge/appreciation of music. No technical knowledge required.

Commencing: 24 January , 2017  (10 weeks: 24/1, 31/1, 7/2, 14/2, 21/2, 7/3, 14/3, 28/3, 4/4, 11/4)

Cost: £70

1. Sibelius’s early works, including the celebrated film by Christopher Nupen ‘Jean Sibelius: The Early Years’

2. Symphonies 1, 2 and 3

3. Symphonies 4 and 5

4. Symphonies 6 and 7

CONCERT: Sunday 19th February at Bridgewater Hall, 7.30pm: BBC Philharmonic play Sibelius 7th symphony with the Mendelssohn Violin concerto and other works by Gade and Bach/Webern. Conductor: John Storgards. Violin: Alina Pogostkina.

5. Part 2 of the Christopher Nupen film: ”Sibelius: Maturity and Silence”, Works for piano and songs.

6. Symphonic poems. Finlandia, Swan of Tuonela, Karelia Suite. Lemminkäinen Suite,

7. Chamber music. String quartet ‘Intimate Voices’

8. Violin concerto

CONCERT: Saturday 1 April at Stockport Town Hall, 7.30pm: Stockport Symphony Orchestra play Sibleius Violin Concerto and Shostakovich Symphony No. 12 ‘The Year 1917′.

9. Symphonic poems: Oceanides, Tapiola

10. Miscellaneous late works