The Bard (Sibelius)

The Bard (also called " The Singer " ), Op 64 is a tone poem for orchestra by Jean Sibelius in 1913 and takes about eight minutes. Sibelius officially refers to any literary source, but probably to a poem by Johan Ludvig Runeberg, in the life and death of a " Bard" ( wandering singer) is described. One solo harp is assigned here the prominent obbligato role. The exquisitely lyrical piece is a study in musical impressionism. Otherwise, there is only an almost chamber music instrumentation. The initial depth of feeling restrained wins only gradually melodic substance reaches a single, radiant climax and recedes quickly revert back to a gloomy mood.