The surrounding nature always formed an integral source of inspiration for Finland’s ‘national composer’ Jean Sibelius. In his youth the composer imagined birds as various instruments of the orchestra, but also in his mature compositions the element of nature is very much present. When Sibelius moved to his home, Ainola, in 1904 – a place where he was to live and compose until his death in 1957 – his only request was a view to the lake nearby. As Sibelius’ biographer wrote: “When Sibelius first left Helsinki, Järvenpää [where Ainola is located] was to a large extent untouched countryside. Foals and sheep almost nosed their way into the house, and from time to time an elk majestically bestrode the grounds.” This peaceful environment inspired Sibelius to write the main part of his catalogue of works.

The heroine dies. Not of a deadly disease, not of a broken heart, not in ecstasy nor by her own hand. There is no final aria, no perpetual drawing-out of the last breath, no resounding lament, no congregation of mourners. Only briefly does the music echo bygone happiness.’* This might sum up Janácek’s enchanting opera, recorded live in the usual top quality at Frankfurt Opera in April/May 2016.