From Sibelius to Sallinen - (Contributions to the Study of Music and Dance) by Lisa de Gorog (Hardcover)

About the Book

This comprehensive study of the evolution of Finnish art music from continental predecessors and native folk music traces the development of Sibelius's musical language from his first major work, Kullervo, the first genuine Finnish recitative, to the last tone poem, Tapiola. De Gorog asserts the importance of En Saga, Sibelius's first major, purely orchestral work, as a composition that affirms the composer's belief in both rhythm and in the variation method (the germ motif technique). The impact of folk music on the germ motif technique as well as on melody, phrase construction, and harmony are also analyzed. Although Sibelius's use of rhythm was more restrained than that of Bartok, Stravinsky, or Prokofiev, similarities in basic trends and folk music influences are noted by de Gorog. From Sibelius to Sallinen emphasizes the importance of various aspects of Finnish culture, the historical events that shaped that culture, and Finnish nationalism in the evolution of Finnish music in general. It also delineates the major sources of inspiration for Sibelius's unique musical idiom. The volume clarifies Sibelius's position as founder of Finnish art music and considers the evolution of trends established by him in the works of younger Finnish composers.

The first three chapters provide an historical prism through which to view Finnish culture and music, discuss Finnish music prior to Sibelius, and relate Finnish nationalism to the composer's philosophy and music. Chapters 4 through 7 focus on Sibelius, his compositions, and their lasting impact. Two final chapters address instrumental music after Sibelius and stage and vocal music in Finland. A discography provides ready access and full information on the works and completes the volume as an informative resource for students, teachers, researchers, musicologists, and performers as well as a valuable addition to university music libraries and conservatories.

Book Synopsis

This comprehensive study of the evolution of Finnish art music from continental predecessors and native folk music traces the development of Sibelius's musical language from his first major work, Kullervo, the first genuine Finnish recitative, to the last tone poem, Tapiola. De Gorog asserts the importance of En Saga, Sibelius's first major, purely orchestral work, as a composition that affirms the composer's belief in both rhythm and in the variation method (the germ motif technique). The impact of folk music on the germ motif technique as well as on melody, phrase construction, and harmony are also analyzed. Although Sibelius's use of rhythm was more restrained than that of Bartok, Stravinsky, or Prokofiev, similarities in basic trends and folk music influences are noted by de Gorog. From Sibelius to Sallinen emphasizes the importance of various aspects of Finnish culture, the historical events that shaped that culture, and Finnish nationalism in the evolution of Finnish music in general. It also delineates the major sources of inspiration for Sibelius's unique musical idiom. The volume clarifies Sibelius's position as founder of Finnish art music and considers the evolution of trends established by him in the works of younger Finnish composers.

The first three chapters provide an historical prism through which to view Finnish culture and music, discuss Finnish music prior to Sibelius, and relate Finnish nationalism to the composer's philosophy and music. Chapters 4 through 7 focus on Sibelius, his compositions, and their lasting impact. Two final chapters address instrumental music after Sibelius and stage and vocal music in Finland. A discography provides ready access and full information on the works and completes the volume as an informative resource for students, teachers, researchers, musicologists, and performers as well as a valuable addition to university music libraries and conservatories.

Review Quotes

?. . .this survey of Finnish music ia arguable the most important and certainly the most thoroughly researched text of its kind in the English language. Much of the work's effectiveness is due to the author's use of a broad historical, cultural, and analytical approach to the music of Sibelius and to the development of stylistic trends in Finnish music in general. Finally, the authors; presentation of diverse viewpoints as well as her own fresh perspectives reflects a well-rounded orientation that should serve as a model for those doing further research in Finnish music.?-Comptes-Rendus

?The first third of this book provides an overview of the cultural struggles of the Finns to become a nation linguistically and politically separate from the domination of the Russians and the Swedes. The next four chapters deal with the music of Sibelius with special emphasis on the rhythms of Finnish poetry and speech and their influence on his instrumental music. A single chapter is devoted to a quick survey of post-Sibelian Scandinavian composers (mostly Finnish) with brief prose descriptions of their music. The final chapter, which seems something of an appendage, traces the history of Finnish theater and vocal music. The bibliography is particularly helpful for those who wish to pursue their study of Finnish history in more depth. Of considerable interest is the extensive discography of recorded works of a large number of Scandinavian composers, most of whom are all but unknown in the US. Upper-division undergraduate and graduate collections.?-Choice

." . .this survey of Finnish music ia arguable the most important and certainly the most thoroughly researched text of its kind in the English language. Much of the work's effectiveness is due to the author's use of a broad historical, cultural, and analytical approach to the music of Sibelius and to the development of stylistic trends in Finnish music in general. Finally, the authors; presentation of diverse viewpoints as well as her own fresh perspectives reflects a well-rounded orientation that should serve as a model for those doing further research in Finnish music."-Comptes-Rendus

"The first third of this book provides an overview of the cultural struggles of the Finns to become a nation linguistically and politically separate from the domination of the Russians and the Swedes. The next four chapters deal with the music of Sibelius with special emphasis on the rhythms of Finnish poetry and speech and their influence on his instrumental music. A single chapter is devoted to a quick survey of post-Sibelian Scandinavian composers (mostly Finnish) with brief prose descriptions of their music. The final chapter, which seems something of an appendage, traces the history of Finnish theater and vocal music. The bibliography is particularly helpful for those who wish to pursue their study of Finnish history in more depth. Of considerable interest is the extensive discography of recorded works of a large number of Scandinavian composers, most of whom are all but unknown in the US. Upper-division undergraduate and graduate collections."-Choice

About the Author

LISA DE GOROG is a writer with a special interest in cultural history and musicology. A native of Finland, she has taught both subjects in Finland and in Athens, Georgia, where she currently resides. Her previous works include La Sinonimia en La Celestina and Concordancias del Arcipreste de Talavera, both with Ralph de Gorog.