Jean Sibelius – The Trees, Op 75 (Gimse)

Cinq Morceaux Opus 75 (1914-19)

Sibelius's "tree cycle" is one of the finest examples of the composer's sensitive, pantheistic way of feeling: "the trees speak" to him. The popularity of the opus speaks for itself.

0:00 - 1. När rönnen blommar (Allegretto, 1914)
"When the Rowan Blossoms" brings to mind Tchaikovsky's piano songs. It is a "chanson triste" or a "chanson sans paroles".

2:02 - 2. Den ensamma furan (Grave, 1914)
"The Solitary Pine" gives an impression of utter steadfastness. At the time of its composition it was interpreted as a symbol of Finland standing firm against the icy winds from the east.

4:45 - 3. Aspen (Andantino, 1914)
"The Aspen" breathes enigmatic impressionism. The responses from the baritone register of the left hand and the bare accompanying chords on the right hand are Nordic in their taciturnity.

7:05 - 4. Björken (Allegro, 1914)
"The Birch", the favourite tree of the Finns, "stands so white". The first two strophes of the piece are in B flat Mixolydian mode. Their left-hand ostinato produces the effect of a field, by minimalist means. The Misterioso closing of the work, the third strophe, remains strangely open: the scale points in the direction of A flat Mixolydian, but it can also be interpreted as striving in the direction of a D flat centre. The riddle is not solved, since a low D flat note appears under the concluding open chord (A flat - E flat).

8:46 - 5. Granen, Le sapin (Stretto-Lento; 1919)
"The Spruce" is one of Sibelius's indisputable hits, a slow waltz comparable to Valse triste. The fast arpeggios in the Risoluto section are truly stunning.

Might upload my own performance of No 5, it is such a beautiful piece :) Sorry for deviating from Liszt xD

Pf: Håvard Gimse