Sibelius: Symphony No. 7 - An Analysis

[@samaritan29]

Brilliant...Sibelius is like no one else..the way he uses those motivic seeds and elements to transform his music in an almost alchemic way, its as if his purpose in these works is not impress the listener's with his themes, but to explore the possibilities that arise from the transformation of those themes - which he utilises to superb effect whether it be to generate an incredible amount tension or to deliver the greatest of climaxes. Well done to you - great analysis.

[@vincentsheehan3193]

Thank you for watching and for your perceptive comment - you clearly know his music well.

[@alger3041]

Vincent, I did a rather detailed analysis of this work many years ago which may be of interest to you. If you would provide me with your email address, I would be more than pleased to share it. You might find it interesting.

[@vincentsheehan3193]

Yes that sounds great thanks! My email should be displayed under my details

[@audunstolpe7408]

Good breakdown. Thanks. This is a symphony which in my opinion is both a necessary and a sufficient work of art. Would have loved to hear a bit more about the transformations of tempo that are so characteristic of this work, and such an integral part of its logic.

[@vincentsheehan3193]

Thanks for commenting. Yes fair point - the tempi gradations are definitely an integral feature.

[@theenergyflowtribejamesbro1302]

Superb analysis. I have also loved that chromatic theme in the strings in this work.

[@vincentsheehan3193]

I've name checked you at the end of my latest video James - Bruckner 7!

[@theenergyflowtribejamesbro1302]

@@vincentsheehan3193 Thank you. I take that as quite a compliment to be with the 7th. I shall be creating a new video on the Finale of the 9th soon.

[@vincentsheehan3193]

@@theenergyflowtribejamesbro1302 great look forward to that

[@ulrichflamm1849]

Wonderful dive into Sibelius 7 which I also love very much. I wonder if you hear like I do a distant reminiscence to Mahler 9 and 10 in your example at 14:05? I would also very be interested in your opinion on the very short waltz like theme right near the end. It seems so strangely out of context there but nevertheless so beautifully touching.

[@cbathgate66]

Interesting analysis, Vince, I've been listening to this music for years and it never seems to lose any of its astonishing beauty and power, all concentrated in a short span of twenty odd minutes. Another of my favourite Sibelius symphonies is the 7th's immediate predecessor, the 6th, which for some reason isn't played as often as the others. Perhaps it's more elusive, but bares repeated listening, having some of Sibelius' most beautiful music. I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts and analysis of this music too.

[@vincentsheehan3193]

Thank you Colin for commenting. Yes I love the 6th too and will add it to my list. All the best!

[@TellarKnight]

I've never listen to a Sibelius symphony, but the prospect of a condensed work into a single movement sounds very interesting, so I'll check it out. Currently, I'm slowly going through Mahler's works...and have reached his 8th symphony. I see people ranking his 7th and 8th at the bottom of the list when it comes to Mahler's best symphonies... and I don't get it, to me these are amazingly good. On this note, I would like to see a 7th or 8th analysis, especially 8th, because from what I've seen no one had the courage to do it on YT until now :))

[@vincentsheehan3193]

I love the 7th & 8th too and a video is definitely needed for both of these - watch this space!

[@violadamore2-bu2ch]

Good to use the violin for demos, but you should have noted that you're playing the viola part an octave higher than notated. the symphony seems almost too short, I keep wanting the last three bars to go on and on, such a longing with the "B" striving to resolve to the "C".

[@vincentsheehan3193]

Thank you. Yes you’re quite right concerning the viola part! Best wishes

[@NN-df7hl]

Thanks for that, Vincent! Question: does Parsifal (or I've heard it called Farewell) theme come after the timpani whacks @ about six minutes and 22 seconds in this recording: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWXLnIFortSbjdk ? And how long would you say it goes on? A minute and 30? Cheers!

[@vincentsheehan3193]

Great comment! The motif I’m referring to is from 7:00 to 7:45 repeated in the winds - a descending idea. It’s heard near the end of the symphony too. All the best

[@NN-df7hl]

@@vincentsheehan3193 Are those times for the video I linked? It's also the timing for when you talk about it. ;) I was hoping to hear it in an actual performance. BTW, I have the Berglund/Bournemouth version; got the whole cycle (4 CDs) for $8.50! How does that one rank in your estimation? Or is Karajan's the Ultimate? Cheers!

[@audunstolpe7408]

@@NN-df7hl Lorin Maazel and Vienna is good too. An at times very interesting but uneven newcomer is Klaus Mäkele and Oslo (alas, not so good in the seventh I think)

[@vincentsheehan3193]

I'm not an expert with recordings I'm afraid! Funnily enough though, the Berglund/Bournemouth was the first one I bought. I still listen to that one and am happy with it.

[@vincentsheehan3193]

A coincidence about the timings!