Orchestral Masterworks: Sibelius 5

Then comes Sibelius’ Symphony no 5, which opens with a glorious evocation of sunrise and culminates in the finale’s sweeping strings and jubilant horn theme, written after Sibelius witnessed the awe-inspiring sight of 16 swans in flight. This proved to be a defining moment for the composer, who wrote in his diary: ’One of the great experiences of my life! God, how beautiful’.