Everyone knows Sibs Violin Concerto, but the Humoresques from
1917--18 are less well known. Sibelius wrote these gems when
he was struggling with the final form of his Fifth symphony and
they call for a dazzling technique. They have a wonderful
atmosphere. Why are these pieces not in the repertoire of violinists everywhere?. No. 5 is so playful with an irrisistable catchy
tune and No.6 has that haunting and aristocratic sensibility so typical
of its creater--these six pieces overflow with the sheer joy of music
making. Any fans out there ---kullervopete.

YES, emphatically so.

Mind you, the soloist need to have a clear concept of the music (not always the case on some recordings) and the orchestra needs to accompany with sensitivity if the music is to make its full effect.

I know that should be the case for all performances of all such works, but let's face it, it isn't! And Sibelius won't work if left on autopilot.

kullervopete wrote:

Why are these pieces not in the repertoire of violinists everywhere?

As far as the Czech Republic is concerned, there is only one Humoreska...

Why not programme it along with Sib's six?
Would make an appealing comparison!

Listening again recently to the delightful Humoresques, I was reminded that Sibelius had planned a second Violin Concerto from as early as 1915 and that The Humoresques might have started life as sketches for this Concerto. Some of the themes may also have been used in The Sixth Symphony. The Humoresques are very different in sound world to the D Minor Concerto, and if they express in Sibelius's own words 'The anguish of existence...Fitfully lit up by the sun' they surely remind us that a second Concerto might have been heavenly, if only!--kullervopete.

I have just discovered that Karl Ekman [an early author on Sibelius] actually arranged the Humoresques for violin and piano. It is known that Sibelius sanctioned this arrangement. I don't recall ever seeing any recordings of this. Certainly this music would fit well into a recital. Its still unbelievable that these gorgous Humoresques are unknown to many music lovers.

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I have just spotted this Cd on the Challenge label. It contains three of the Humoresques in paired down versions. The reviewer complains of poor notes with it.--kp

I haven't heard this CD but I have heard some of these Ekman arrangements in concert. They struck me as decent rather than outstanding, but to be sure they are welcome of they encourage more performances.

It is certainly a possibility that ideas for a second violin concerto ended up in these pieces. Sibelius mentions the composition of the Humoresques in his diaries, and whilst I don't remember anything in the diaries that confirms such a supposition, nor do I recall anything that would refute it.