Sibelius · Jean Sibelius
Sibelius Symphony No. 6 in D minor
A glass of cold spring water instead of a cocktail
- Key
- D minor
- Composed
- 1923
- Premiere
- 1923 Helsinki
- Duration
- about 26 min
- Movements
- 4 movements
- Instrumentation
- Woodwinds 2·2·2·2 (+ bass clarinet) · Brass 4·3·3·0 · Timpani · Harp · Strings
The story behind this piece
Sibelius described this piece by saying that while other composers served up fancy 'cocktails,' he served 'cold spring water.' True to that, it is clear and plain. Much of it is written not so much in a minor key as in the Dorian mode, an old church mode.
It was premiered in Helsinki on February 19, 1923, conducted by Sibelius. Because it was played less often, overshadowed by his other symphonies, the musicologist Gerald Abraham called it 'the Cinderella of the seven symphonies.'
What to listen for
- Opening of movement 1: It begins with a clear Dorian-mode melody. The word 'spring water' comes to mind right away.
Listen · Score
Credits