Hymn (Sibelius)

This entry refers specifically to Jean Sibelius's compositions titled "Hymn." While Sibelius often imbued his works with a profound, almost spiritual quality, he wrote several pieces explicitly designated as "Hymn." Understanding these requires differentiating between them:

• Opus 79b, No. 2, "Hymn to the Earth" (Hymn till jorden): This is likely the most well-known "Hymn" by Sibelius. It's a work for mixed choir a cappella, composed in 1925 to a Swedish text by Eino Leino. It expresses reverence for nature and the cycle of life. Its harmonic language and melodic contours reflect Sibelius's mature style.

• Other Potential "Hymn" References: Sibelius also composed shorter, less widely recognized pieces that might be referred to as hymns, or which contain hymn-like passages. These may appear in collections of songs or incidental music. Searching for specific titles or opus numbers is important to properly identify these pieces.

When discussing "Hymn (Sibelius)," context is crucial to determine which specific composition is being referenced. Because Sibelius did not produce a single, monumental work solely titled "Hymn," specifying the opus number or associated title (e.g., "Hymn to the Earth") is essential for clarity. Researching specific choral scores and song collections associated with Sibelius will help further identify any less frequently performed "Hymns."