Sibelius, Jean - The Tempest - Kamu, Okko

The symphonic and ambitious music of Shakespeare's play The Tempest was one of Sibelius's last orchestral works before his mysterious "Järvenpää silence," which lasted until his death. The extensive expressive demands of the play, commissioned in 1925 by the leading Danish theater producer Johannes Poulsen, allowed Sibelius to utilize his vast musical powers. From the terrifying atmosphere of the opening scene to the ethereal songs, boisterous character portrayals, and striking descriptions of nature, Sibelius took advantage of his freedom to transform the themes of Shakespeare's magical world into his own unique sound.