Schumann and Sibelius

Finchley Symphony Orchestra is conducted by Christopher Stark in the opening concert of its 2022-23 season.

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.”