Symphony No. 7 in C major, Op. 105
Jean Sibelius
Work background
Researched classical background
Sibelius compresses a symphony's contrasting functions into one continuous movement. Tempos and textures change gradually or turn sharply, while a broad trombone theme acts as a recurring landmark. Rather than dividing into four separate movements, the music repeatedly reshapes related material at different speeds. The initial title Fantasia sinfonica reflects the unusual form before Sibelius assigned it a symphony number.
A listening guide
Use the trombone theme as a landmark and hear how the surrounding music has changed at each return.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1924 (completion)
Earlier plans and sketches preceded the final one-movement form; the premiere used the title Fantasia sinfonica.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Fantasia sinfonica
Symphony No. 7 in C major, Op. 105 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Symphony No. 7 in C major, Op. 105 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.