The purpose of this essay is to provide a guide to the published solo piano works of Jean Sibelius (1865–1957). Sibelius wrote more than 150 compositions for piano; yet, these are little known and are rarely performed. Through this project, Sibelius’s solo piano literature, currently unknown to many pianists and piano teachers, will become more accessible.
The first chapter will provide biographical information about Sibelius, the second chapter will deal with the compositional style and historical background of his piano works, and the third chapter will be the guide to his published works for solo piano. The guide of each piece will include a brief stylistic overview, available publications, the length, the key, and leveling suggestions based on Maurice Hinson’s grading system from Guide to the Pianist’s Repertoire.
This essay serves the purpose of encouraging the study, practice, and performance of the solo piano works by Sibelius. Although his piano compositions follow the tradition of 19th-century Romanticism especially that of Chopin, Liszt, and Brahms, the influence of Finnish folk traditions makes his music distinctive from other Romantic composers. This guide will provide pianists and piano teachers access to important information regarding each of his pieces.