The Swan of Tuonela

Tuonelan Joutsen

Reuben Markham
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Submission
AALTO Helsinki
Language
Not applicable
Source
Commercial Media
Format
Other
Era
Early Modern: 1500—1800
Sphere
Cultural
Submission
AALTO Helsinki
Language
Not applicable
Source
Commercial Media
Format
Other
Era
Early Modern: 1500—1800
Sphere
Cultural

The Swan of Tuonela (Tuonelan joutsen) is one of Jean Sibelius' most evocative works, a tone poem that captures the mystical atmosphere of Finnish mythology.

Part of his Lemminkäinen Suite, it draws on the rich traditions of the Kalevala, Finland's national epic. The piece portrays the mythical swan that swims on the dark waters of the underworld, Tuonela, symbolising both the beauty and tragedy of death. Through lush orchestration and haunting melodies, Sibelius evokes the eerie stillness of this otherworldly realm, blending Finnish folklore with his unique compositional voice.

The work remains a masterpiece of symphonic writing, offering a window into Finland's mythological soul.

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