‘[This] book helps everyone, no matter how previously informed, to find their own way into Sibelius’s extraordinary world.’ — Sakari Oramo, chief conductor, BBC Symphony Orchestra ‘Carefully considered, cogently argued and elegantly written, this is a study of Finland’s great composer which is provocative at times but which presents us with an enlightening and stimulating portrait of the man and his music.’ — MusicWeb International ‘Such a pleasure to revisit greater and lesser Sibelius to [this] wise accompaniment ... Hans Keller (my old boss at Radio 3) used to argue for wordless musical analysis, but this traditional descriptive approach is the most illuminating for the ordinary listener.’ — John Greening ‘David Vernon’s range of knowledge is impressive, extending way beyond narrow old-fashioned frames of reference, and he’s particularly good at making apposite comparisons right across the arts […] His style is refreshing: witty and playful one moment, conveying deepest admiration the next. But what comes over most of all – all too rare in modern books on classical music – is love. If you are familiar with Sibelius, this book will make you want to seek out all the pieces you don’t know. If you don’t know him, then prepare for an adventure, with Sun, Forest, Lake as your enthralling guide and delightful companion.’ — Stephen Johnson, author of How Shostakovich Changed My Mind and The Eighth: Mahler and the World in 1910 Developing a style and logic all his own, outside the trends of modernism, Jean Sibelius wrote some of most captivating and resonant orchestral works of the twentieth century, and his symphonies and tone poems have become among the most celebrated music of all time – yet it is music which is darker, more challenging and complex, than has often been supposed. In his new book, David Vernon – author of Beauty and Sadness: Mahler’s 11 Symphonies and Beethoven: The String Quartets – explores these evocative, compelling and thought-provoking works of art, examining in particular their relationship with the natural world and the great Finnish literary epic, the Kalevala . Each work, including Kullervo , the seven symphonies, and the tone poems from En Saga to Tapiola , is given its own chapter, which includes an essay followed by a detailed movement-by-movement guide to the music.