The capital of Finland is replete with original pedestals: what are only the "Three Blacksmiths", "Bronze Construction" or "The Left Knights". But for many years, the monument to Sibelius has been confidently holding the palm. This is the most visited monument in Helsinki. But who is Jan Sibelius, and why is he honored in his homeland?
Who was Sibelius?
This is an outstanding Finnish composer. For compatriots, it means about the same as Pushkin for Russians in the literary field, since they laid the foundation for Finnish professional music. In particular, he wrote the symphonic poem Finland, the final part of which later became the unofficial anthem of the country. The composition was created during the period of national upsurge and echoed the spirit of the times. In addition, Sibelius is the author of many other patriotic works based on the Finnish epic and the history of the people. Some critics regard the composer's work as a kind of struggle for the independence of Finland. At least, contemporaries perceived his works in this way. Not surprisingly, after his death, it was decided to erect a monument to Jan Sibelius in Helsinki.
short biography
The future genius was born in 1865 in the town of Hämeenlinna (province of Southern Finland). Then this territory belonged to the Russian Empire. Yang was a Swede by birth. From early childhood he was inclined to music: at the age of 10 he wrote his first play. This was followed by several chamber-instrumental works. At first, the young man entered the law faculty of the University of Helsinki, but then he decided not to go contrary to vocation and transferred to the Music Institute. There, his teacher was Martin Vegelius. After graduation, he studied the composition of musical works in Berlin and Vienna for another two years.
His first symphonic poem "Kullervo", written based on the Finnish epic "Kalevala", was an extraordinary success. They talked about Sibelius as a promising composer. During this period, he married the daughter of Governor Augustus Järnefelt, who was an activist in the national movement. In the same period, the composer created such works as "Tale", "Karelia", "Spring Song".
An analysis of his contribution to culture explains why a monument was later built to Sibelius (Finland). After all, he was one of the prominent representatives of neo-romanticism in Europe.
The end of the 1890s was the most fruitful period in the life of the composer. It was then that the famous “First Symphony” and the symphonic poem “Finland” appeared. Also, Sibelius always had a weakness for theatrical performances, so he wrote music for many of them, for example, for “Quoleme” by Yarnefelt, “Piru Balthasar” Prokope, “The Tempest” by Shakespeare. In 1902, Sibelius created the Second Symphony, and in 1903 a concert for violin and orchestra. The last poem, Tapiola, was written in 1926. Interestingly, for the remaining 30 years, he did not create anything else. Jan Sibelius died in old age in 1956. The composer was buried in Järventpää.
Monument to Sibelius: history of creation
The park, where the pedestal is located, was renamed in honor of the great composer during his lifetime, in 1945. But the idea with the monument arose later, after his death, in 1960. A competition was announced that won Aila Hiltunen. She worked on the monument for 7 years, so the opening took place in 1967. By the way, Eila Hiltunen is the author of many other non-standard Helsinki monuments.
Description
The decision of the architect was quite original. Eila Hiltunen refused to recreate the sculptural appearance of Sibelius. In her opinion, this would be predictable, and it is unlikely that such a monument would attract the attention of a large number of visitors. Hiltunen’s idea was much deeper: music can tell the most expressively about a musician.
Therefore, the monument to Sibelius, cast in bronze, looks like this: almost 600 pipes in a vertical position are welded together and create a sense of movement. When air passes through them, they make sounds reminiscent of the tunes of the great composer. The whole structure looks like a giant organ or fountain. For almost 50 years, this marvelous metal instrument has been playing in honor of the great composer. It turns out that the monument to Sibelius (Helsinki) can not only be seen, but also listened. This makes it unique.
The second part of the monument is the bronze head of the composer, which is nearby. By the way, Sibelius is portrayed young here, because he has hair, and in later years, as you know, he lost his hair. The sculptor captured him at the age when he created his most famous works.
The massive pedestal really conveys all the power and drama of Sibelius music.
Interesting Facts
This sculptural ensemble causes mixed emotions among residents and guests of the capital of Finland. Firstly, not everyone understands the style of abstractionism. Secondly, many are confused by the head, which lies separately on a stone elevation. Some find this performance inhumane, they say, it was either necessary to depict in full growth, or as a bust.
Another interesting fact: Ayla Hiltunen paid a dear price for creating a masterpiece, earning bronchial asthma from the fumes released during the melting of pipes.
Favorite pastime of visitors to the monument is an attempt to put his head in a pipe. True, this is possible only for children and people with a delicate physique, because the pipes have a small diameter. In the same position, many prefer to be photographed near the sculpture.
