Sibelius's String Quartets: A Comprehensive Guide

Jean Sibelius, a renowned Finnish composer, left behind a legacy of iconic string quartets that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Despite his impressive oeuvre, there are some notable exceptions in his compositional repertoire, including the Suite for Violin and Orchestra, which is sometimes referred to as Op. 117.

The Origins of Op. 117

Sibelius's final opus list from 1952 did not assign Op. 117 to any specific composition. However, The Suite for Violin and Orchestra has been designated as his de facto Op. 117 by music scholars. This suite is a remarkable example of Sibelius's mastery of orchestration and violin technique.

Recordings and World Premieres

The Finnish conductor Osmo Vänskä and the Lahti Symphony Orchestra made the world premiere studio recording of the Suite in April 1992 for BIS Records, featuring South Korean violinist Dong-Suk Kang as soloist. The suite received its world premiere on December 8, 1990, at a concert commemorating Sibelius's sesquicentennial, with Osmo Vänskä conducting the Lahti Symphony Orchestra and Finnish violinist John Storgårds as soloist.

Unfinished Business

Unfortunately, Sibelius never completed a revision of the Suite, despite his initial intention to do so. The composer's notes on the manuscript suggest that he considered the work 'Sketch,' implying that it was an early draft that required further development.

Rejection and Disappointment

Sibelius submitted the Suite to Carl Fischer, a prominent music publisher in the United States, but unfortunately, it was rejected due to unfavorable market conditions. In his response, Fischer stated that the company could not publish compositions of such high standard at that time, citing the challenging music publishing landscape in the United States.

Legacy and Impact

Despite being an unfinished work, Sibelius's Suite for Violin and Orchestra remains an important part of his legacy, showcasing his innovative approach to orchestration and violin technique. The individual movements, each with English language titles such as 'Serenade: Evening in Spring,' demonstrate Sibelius's ability to craft beautiful and evocative music.

The Suite for Violin and Orchestra is a fascinating example of Sibelius's compositional style, highlighting his mastery of orchestration and violin technique. Although it was never performed during the composer's lifetime, this work has been rediscovered and reappreciated through various recordings and performances, cementing its place in the canon of Sibelius's string quartets.

Sibelius string quartets wiki