Just when you thought that was all for Sibelius…

Over the weekend, Norman Lebrecht shared this transcription for guitar of the composer’s “Ekloge,” from his “Four Lyric Pieces,” Op. 74, originally for piano.

While we’re on the topic, ‘tis the season – here are Sibelius’ “Five Christmas Songs,” Op. 1. The fourth of them, “Give me no splendor, gold or pomp,” is the most famous.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eklDX_VHTl4

More about the Christmas songs and Christmas with the Sibelius family here:

http://finland.fi/christmas/christmas-with-the-sibelius-family/

If you hunger for something a little more substantial from the Nordic countries, I wrote a lengthy appreciation of the Icelandic Yule Lads over the weekend, but since I didn’t post it until 9:00 on Saturday night, it went largely unnoticed. I didn’t want to hold it until Sunday morning, since the Lads descend from the mountains to commence their holiday torments on the night of December 12. Scroll down my Facebook page to learn more. It’s a real time-killer and certain to brighten your workday.

Here’s a direct link:

PHOTO: Joulupukki, the Finnish Santa