Oeuvre

“My work is belittled at first, overrated later, as is always the case. Such is its nature.” (Jean Sibelius in a letter to Aino, 1891)

Jean Sibelius’ output is extensive and diverse. Aside from large orchestral works, he also wrote chamber music and other smaller-scale works for various different instruments, as well as a significant amount of solo and choral works. There are 117 numbered opuses to his name as well more than 200 unnumbered ones. Chronologically, his work is mainly spread across five decades from the early 1880s to the late 1920s. Sibelius’ original manuscripts are contained within the collections of, among others, the National Library of Finland and Sibelius Museum.

Sibelius reached world-wide fame already during his lifetime, and his works – the symphonies and the Violin Concerto in particular – are still regularly performed across the world. He and his works also became the object of scientific study when he was still alive – and remain as such to the present day. The National Library of Finland started a project in 1996 called “Jean Sibelius Works” (JSW) with the aim to publish all of his works in critical editions based on extensive research.

In 1965, the Sibelius Society of Finland (founded after the composer’s passing) launched the International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition in Helsinki, which has since become one of the most prestigious violin competitions in the world. The Sibelius Society of Finland also has counterparts in other countries, such as Japan, Sweden and England.