Schumann and Sibelius

Finchley Symphony Orchestra

Finchley Symphony Orchestra conducted by Christopher Stark opens its 2022-23 season with a concert of music in contrasting styles by two ex-law students, one a depressive and the other an alcoholic, and includes the last symphonies written by both men.

Schumann’s ‘Manfred’ overture was written as part of incidental music inspired by Byron’s Gothic poem and embraces both energy and tragedy.  His ‘Rhenish’ symphony, the last he wrote despite its number, was inspired by a visit to the Rhineland and is also richly romantic.

Sibelius’ relatively short final symphony, the culmination of his work in this form, has been described as “completely original in form…individual in its treatment of key and wholly organic in growth” and “Sibelius’ most remarkable compositional achievement.”