Jean Sibelius was a father figure not only for Finnish music but for Finland's emergence as an independent nation. His music, with its references to Finnish lore and its awe at the power of nature, was considered old-fashioned by some in the mid 20th century - but today sounds especially relevant to many of our leading composer (and music lovers!). On IPR tonight at 5PM, Performance Today will devote much of the program to him, including JoAnn Falletta conducting his Fifth Symphony, which was initially inspired by a moment that he considered a high point - when he was surprised in the Finnish forest by the sound of flock of swans taking off from a lake. NPR's Tom Huizenga examines his legacy here. And Barney Sherman wrote about a complex copyright case involving his Valse Triste here. Barney will play several of his pieces this afternoon (as well as music of many other composers). Join us!
Barney Sherman is a Senior Music Producer and Classical Music Host