I have felt that a good few of Sibbe's works are very life-cycle-like in this way. I mean, the seventh symphony is a massive emotional journey, of this there can be no doubt. The beginning is rising from the depths, the end almost passes in a blur and then ends reflecting to the beginning of the symphony. I can absolutely agree that this is a symphony very much like a life cycle.

No doubt, the Seventh Symphony conjurs up many images in the listeners mind. For Edward Clark [UK Sib Soc. President] the final part is 'Custer's last stand', I've seen the great trombone theme described as 'the very first sunrise seen by man'. For me it represents a cosmic journey, I wonder just exactly what Sibelius himself had in mind.--kp