Sibelius · Jean Sibelius
Sibelius Symphony No. 7 in C major
The last symphony, in a single 20-minute movement
- Key
- C major
- Composed
- 1924
- Premiere
- 1924 Stockholm
- Duration
- about 22 min
- Movements
- Movement 1
- Instrumentation
- Woodwinds 2·2·2·2 (flute doubling piccolo) · Brass 4·3·3·0 · Timpani · Strings
The story behind this piece
Sibelius conducted the premiere himself in Stockholm on March 24, 1924, but at that time it was titled not a 'symphony' but a 'symphonic fantasia.' Only later did he rename it 'Symphony No. 7.' He first planned it as three movements, but in the end it runs without a break as a single movement of about 20 minutes.
This is his last symphony. For the next 30 years or so he produced hardly any major works, and the Eighth Symphony, which he worked on for a long time, never saw the light of day and was destroyed.
What to listen for
- Trombone solo: A solemn trombone theme returns here and there throughout the piece and becomes its pillar. It's the biggest showcase for the trombonist.
Listen · Score
Credits