Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 6 was performed for the first time, in Helsinki under the composer’s baton, on this date 100 years ago. Kile Smith shares his thoughts on this gorgeous, enigmatic work (as might describe much of Sibelius’ greatest music), on this month’s “Fleisher Discoveries.”

Sibelius noted that the symphony always reminded him of the first scent of snow. He also penned the descriptive phrase “When shadows lengthen.” It’s funny, I don’t find the work at all gloomy, but then I’ve always disliked the sun.

The Symphony No. 6 is rarely encountered in U.S. concert halls. I think in my 40 years of attending orchestral concerts, I have heard it only once, on the same program with the equally underperformed Symphony No. 3 (with Osmo Vänskä, unsurprisingly, guest conducting in Philadelphia).

Sibelius remarked, “Whereas most other modern composers are engaged in manufacturing cocktails of every hue and description, I offer the public cold spring water.” This from a man who knew a thing or two about libations! Listen to Sibelius’ Symphony No. 6, with Kile’s commentary, at the link.

Fleisher Discoveries: Sibelius the Revolutionary

PHOTO: Sibelius monument “Passio Musicae” (1967), located in Helsinki, by Elia Hiltunen