Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Op. 39
Jean Sibelius
Work background
Researched classical background
Sibelius's First Symphony begins with a solo clarinet above a quiet timpani roll, creating a distinctive introduction before the main orchestral movement. Four movements combine broad melodies with strongly profiled rhythms and abrupt changes of color. The finale recalls the opening clarinet material in a more public string setting. The score already shows Sibelius's interest in reorganizing small ideas across large spans.
A listening guide
Compare the solitary opening clarinet with the finale's more expansive return of that material.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1899 first version; revised 1900
The first performance was in Helsinki in 1899; the customary score incorporates revision, and earlier planning is not assigned a start year here.
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.
Date, title and version notes
The original and revised score have different dates.
Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Op. 39 - 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. 1 in E minor, Op. 39 - 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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