Monument to Sibelius in Helsinki: description, history and interesting facts

The capital of Finland is full of original pedestals: what are only the "Three Blacksmiths", "Bronze Design" or "The Left Knights". But the palm of the championship for many years confidently holds the monument to Sibelius. This is the most visited monument in Helsinki. But who is Jan Sibelius, and why is he honored at home?

Who was Sibelius?

He is an outstanding Finnish composer. For compatriots, it means about the same as Pushkin for the Russians in the literary field, since they were the beginning of Finnish professional music. In particular, he wrote a symphonic poem "Finland", the final part of which later became the unofficial anthem of the country. The composition was created during the period of the national ascent and echoed the spirit of the times. In addition, Sibelius is the author of many other patriotic works written on the motives of the Finnish epic and the history of the people. Some critics regard the composer's work as a kind of struggle for the independence of Finland. At least, contemporaries perceived his works in this way. It is not surprising that after his death, it was decided to erect a monument to Jan Sibelius in Helsinki.

short biography

The future genius was born in 1865 in the town of Hämeenlinna (Southern Finland province). Then this territory belonged to the Russian Empire. By origin, Ian was a Swede. From early childhood he was inclined to music: at the age of 10 he wrote the first play. Further, several chamber-instrumental works followed. Initially, the young man entered the law faculty of Helsinki University, but then decided not to go against the vocation and transferred to the Musical Institute. There his teacher was Martin Vehelius. After graduation, he studied music composition in Berlin and Vienna for two more years.

His first symphonic poem "Kullervo", written on the motives of the Finnish epic "Kalevala", had an extraordinary success. About Sibelius spoke of as a high-profile composer. During this period, he married the daughter of Governor August Jarnefelt, who was an activist of the national movement. At the same time, such compositions as "Fairy Tale", "Karelia", "Spring Song" were created by the composer.

An analysis of his contribution to culture explains why a monument to Sibelius (Finland) was later erected. After all, he was one of the most prominent representatives of neo-romanticism in Europe.

The end of the 1890s was the most fruitful period in the life of the composer. It was then that the famous "First Symphony" and the symphonic poem "Finland" appeared. Also, Sibelius always had a weakness for theatrical performances, so he composed music for many of them, for example, to Jarnefelt's "Kuolem", "Protes Belshazzar's Prokop", Shakespeare's "Bure". In 1902, Sibelius created the "Second Symphony", and in 1903 - a concert for violin and orchestra. The last poem "Tapiola" was written in 1926. It is interesting that over the remaining 30 years he has created nothing more. Died Jan Sibelius in deep old age in 1956. The composer was buried in Järventpää.

Monument to Sibelius: the history of creation

The park, where the pedestal is located, was renamed in honor of the great composer during his lifetime, in 1945. But the idea with the monument arose later, after his death, in 1960. A competition was announced, which was won by Aila Hiltunen. She worked on the monument for 7 years, so the opening took place in 1967. By the way, Aila Hiltunen is the author of many other non-standard Helsinki monuments.

Description

The decision of the architect turned out to be quite original. Aila Hiltunen refused to recreate the sculptural appearance of Sibelius. In her opinion, this would be predictable, and it is unlikely that such a monument attracted the attention of a large number of visitors. The idea of Hiltunen was much deeper: the most expressive about the musician is able to tell the music.

Therefore, the monument to Sibelius, cast from bronze, looks like this: almost 600 pipes in a vertical position are welded together and create a sense of movement. When the air passes through them, they make sounds resembling the melodies of the great composer. The whole design looks like a giant organ or fountain. For almost 50 years, this marvelous metal instrument has played in honor of the great composer. It turns out that the monument to Sibelius (Helsinki) can not only look, but also listen. This makes it unique.

The second part of the monument is the bronze head of the composer, which is nearby. By the way, Sibelius is depicted here as a young man, because he has a head of hair, and in later years, as is known, he lost his hair. The sculptor captured him at the age when he created the most famous of his works.

The massive pedestal really conveys the power and drama of Sibelius' music.

Interesting Facts

This sculptural ensemble causes ambiguous emotions among residents and guests of the capital of Finland. First, not everyone understands the style of abstractionism. Secondly, many are confused by the head, which lies separately on a stone platform. Some people find this performance inhumane, they say, it was necessary either to portray them as full-length or as a bust.

Another interesting fact: Aila Hiltunen paid an expensive price for the creation of the masterpiece, earning bronchial asthma from the fumes that were released during the melting of pipes.

The favorite activity of the visitors to the monument is an attempt to put his head in the pipe. True, this is possible only for children and people with a delicate physique, because the pipes have a small diameter. In the same position, many prefer to be photographed near the sculpture.

Monument to Sibelius in Helsinki: how to get there

The sculpture is in the park named after the composer, which is located in the heart of the capital of Finland. The road to it will prompt any passer-by. This place was chosen not by chance, because Jan Sibelius lived nearby.

The monument can be reached by the following transport: by bus (route No. 14, 18, 24, 39) or by tram (route No. 2, 4, 8, 10). If there is a walking tour with a guide in the center of Helsinki, then this landmark is definitely one of the main points, so you will not have to get there yourself.

To visit the capital of Finland and not to visit the monument to Sibelius is simply inexcusable. Therefore, if you get to this city, then do not deny yourself the pleasure of seeing a unique sculpture.