Kansallisbiografia jean sibelius biography

By Shirley Jenkins

During the 2014—2015 season musicians throughout the world will be paying tribute to the music of Jean Sibelius to mark the 150th anniversary of his birth.

This article takes a look at his life, his heritage, his nationalism and his remarkable music.

Johan Christian Julius (Jean) Sibelius was born in Hämeenlinna (Swedish-Tavastehus), Finland, on December 8, 1865 to Christian Gustaf Sibelius and Maria Charlotta Sibelius née Borg.

Kansallisbiografia jean sibelius biography

Christian was City Medical Officer and physician to the Hämeenlinna Sniper Battalion. The Grand Duchy of Finland was a part of the Russian Empire at that time.

Johan was called “Janne” in memory of his father’s uncle, Johan “Janne” Sibelius.

His uncle used the French form of Johan, Jean, on his business cards, so after finding some of his uncle’s business cards while a student, he did the same. Therefore he became known to posterity as Jean Sibelius.

He grew up speaking Swedish an