Tomi Mäkelä Book order

This acclaimed study, now available in English, examines Jean Sibelius's music within its biographical context, addressing the myths that have surrounded him for over a century. Utilizing numerous unpublished sources, Mäkelä's work repositions Sibelius as a musician and 'poet' of universal significance. The chapters delve into the composer's creativity, inspiration, influence, and his connection to nature and homeland. Accounts from those who knew him in his youth depict a bohemian figure amidst European decadence during the 'age of Carmen.' His key works, created between his third symphony and Tapiola, align with the modernistic mainstream. The 'Silence of Ainola,' Sibelius's last three decades, has fueled masculine clichés that the book seeks to deconstruct. Despite being one of the least political artists of his era, he became highly politicized and emerged as the foremost musical talent in the region, providing his nation with a distinct sound. The late 19th-century European affinity for Nordic culture played a significant role in shaping his legacy, with his wife Aino instrumental in crafting his image as a Nordic icon. The book critically examines this popular image and highlights how Sibelius's blend of regionalism and modernity appealed to Anglo-American audiences, even as these elements fell out of favor in continental Europe. The interpretation of his music continues to be influenced by notions of Finland and the N

This collection features a range of essays exploring the intricate relationship between music, nationalism, and identity in the 20th century. Tomi Mäkelä examines the interplay of internationalism, Europeanism, and nationalism in music. Arnold Whittall discusses the tension between personal style and impersonal structure in music analysis, while Peter Dickinson argues that nationalism alone is insufficient from a composer's viewpoint. Ilkka Oramo looks beyond nationalism, and Kalevi Aho addresses the connections between music, nationality, and society. Erkki Toivanen explores the musical receptiveness of the Anglo-Saxon world, and Matti Vainio investigates the arrival of modernism in Finland. Erkki Saimenhaara contrasts internationalism and nationalism in Finnish music of the 1920s and 30s. Mikko Heiniö discusses the notion of "Finnishness" in the music of the 1970s and 80s, while Matti Huttunen reflects on Sibelius's nationalistic and non-nationalistic interpretations in Finnish music history. Other contributions include discussions on English musical character, Scottish musical nationalism, and the complexities of Irish musical nationalism. The collection also delves into the orchestral works of Sibelius and Bax, and examines nationalism in operatic works by Leevi Madetoja, alongside the solitary path of Uuno Klami.