THE SIBELIUS FORUM ON FINLANDIA

Following a stupendous performance of Kullervo I settled down to enjoy the drama 'Finlandia'. This play involved conversations between Sibelius and Aino, mostly around the time of the 'big bonfire' at Ainola in the 1940's. This was interspersed with excerpts from the Kalevala and background music. The music played was mostly from pieces based on the epic. Lemminkainen Legends, Luonnotar and Tapiola but nothing from the Symphonies. Sibelius was interviewed by a journalist who inevitably asked if the Eighth Symphony was completed. The programme was a mix of factual events and some speculation. Aino was revealed as the devoted wife who suffered a great deal in supporting her husband through all the years of creativity and silence. I enjoyed the 90 minute drama with excellent performances from Tim Piggott-Smith as Sibelius and Barbara Flynn as Aino. All credit to Stephen Wyatt for an excellent drama.--kp