Jean Sibelius wurde an diesem Tag (8. Dezember) im Jahr 1865 geboren. Während sein Violinkonzert eine Ikone ist, glaube ich persönlich, dass seine Symphonie Nr. 6 (Op. 104) das wahre „magische Reich“ seines späten Stils darstellt.

Symphony 6 is a really wonderful change in his style, the opening movement is basically a study in modal counterpoint in a modern context. I still think 7 is the pinnacle of his late-style, but 6 is very often overlooked in his overall output when compared to 1,2,4,5, and 7. It seems a bit more of an outlier in its later experimental style. Glad to know others regard it as one of their favorites!