Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
Finlandia Op. 26

In 1898, tsar Nicholas II appointed Nikolai Bobrikov Governor-General of his Finnish province; the appointee soon implemented a ruthless policy of Russification of the nation that until then enjoyed a relative autonomy. Its institutions and periodicals were shut down and a stream of deportees was hustled in prison-vans to Siberia. In response a Free Press Day was held at Helsinki’s Svenska Teatern on December 4th, 1899, complete with patriotic tableaux. The music was written by Sibelius, even then perceived as Finland’s most eminent artist. As the tableau Suomi herää (The Awakening of Finland ) created a great stir, Sibelius made a symphonic poem out of it a few months later.
The idea of this short composition could be read as “from oppression and slavery through struggle to freedom.” This is an idea dear to many Polish composers, as evident in symphonies by Sowiński, Noskowski, Karłowicz, Paderewski i Młynarski... Sibelius’s Finlandia begins with a dismal chorale, which soon transforms into a violent battle scene. The second theme in a major key uses the same rhythmical motif, but its melody is full of faith in victory. The development is replaced by an inspired hymn quoted from Emil Genetz’s choral song Herää, Suomi!, an obvious association for any Finnish audience; it should be acknowledged that the hymn acquired such deep expression under Sibelius's pen. It returns, as a triumphant song, at the very close of the piece.
Governor-General Bobrikov died in the building of the Finnish Senate on June 16th, 1904. Justice was meted out by Eugen Schaumann, born in Radom, Poland.

Maciej Negrey