Jean Sibelius was a Finnish composer of the late romantic era, born in 1865 in the southern Finnish town of Hämeenlinna. He is considered the most famous and influential composer of his home country, and many suggest that Sibelius participated directly in the creation of a Finnish culture, while the country struggled to find one after its independence from Russia. At the heart of his works lies his seven symphonies, now performed all over the world. The most famous of his oeuvres are Finlandia, the Karelia Suite, Valse triste and the Violin Concerto.  

He remained a prolific composer until the mid-20s, a period where he stopped writing music for the next thirty years of his life. Many still cannot explain why, and his silent years are commonly referred to as the "silence of Järvenpää", in reference to the location of Sibelius’s home. He nonetheless continued working, writing masonic music and re-working earlier compositions, but did not take interest in writing new music.  

He was known for loving nature and studying law as a young man until his passion for music took over, and he began to study it full-time. Furthermore, he married the daughter of a general and a Baltic aristocrat, Aino, Järnefelt, in 1892. Together, they lead a very hedonistic lifestyle, and in consequence, negatively impacted their health. Aido spent time in a sanatorium, while Jean Sibelius’ health deteriorated slowly over time. In 1957, the composer died from a brain hemorrhage at age 91. 
 
Sibelius’s music manuscripts have recently been added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Program. He is often considered 'a nationalist composer working in the Romantic tradition'.

Photo credit: Jean Sibelius © Getty