SIBE IUS spar e xplains 0, U his Permanence Seems Assured I Why Two Michigan Professors Weren't Welcome Last Year at Waseda University V 0 a U0 0 U 5 By DAVID KESSEL THE DEATH of Jean Sibelius last month removed from the scene one of the most powerful and individualistic figures of music. Certainly no musician has ever developed a more individual style; regardless of which of his com- positions one hears, of whatever form, the Sibelius idiom is always apparent. Sibelius, it must be remembered, was born in 1865; thus he was a contemporary of. Richard Strauss, Gustav Mahler and Claude De- bussy. Debussy founded a whole school of so-called "French Im- pressionism"-which remains, well filled with pupils to this day--of which Stravinsky represents merely a rather br"- offshoot. Strauss and Mahler adhered more to the opulent orchestrations of the romantic era, often far dis- tended from their origins. But Sibelius stood apart. The Wag- nerian influence, notable in the music of Strauss and Mahler, as- saulted by Debussy, seemed not to affect Sibelius. Indeed, it is diffi- cult to point out his derivations, although if one must name pre- cursors, perhaps Grieg, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky are as fitting as any. ET THERE appears no "Si- belius School." His music, like that of Bartok, is far too indivi- dualistic to allow imitation. It is as though his music simply arose from the past, shaped by his per- sonality, but free from any devices vwhich might encourage imitation. Quite often one hears ingenious arrangers portray some xnocuous and "Valse Triste," have attracted considerable popularity. In fact this very popularity has often ob- scured Sibelius' more significant compositions. The Sibelius symphonies surely represent his major contribution to music, even though "Finlandia," "Valse 'riste" and the tone poem "En Saga" established -his early success. Sibelius' symphonies are un- matched since Brahms and Bee- thoven, representing the twen- tieth century's principal contribu- tion to this form. One can, in fact, trace the pro- gress of Sibelius through his sym- phonies. The first, written in 1899, is not unlike much of Tchaikovsky in many respects, but really shows distinct individuality, s t r i k i n g themes, and intriguing orchestra- tion. THE SECOND symphony, cur- rently regaining much of its early popularity, begins a system of thematic development, which. Sibelius has originated, in which melodic, fragments are first intro- duced; later developed into intact themes. This practice, together with a trend toward instrumental and organizational reduction con- tinued throughout the succeeding symphonies, results in the third symphony being in three move- ments with a much smaller or- chestra. This culminates ,in the seventh symphony, written one vast movement of complex them- atic evolution. Curiously enough, Sibelius pub- lished nothing after the seventh symphony (1924), the tone poem "Tapiola" (1925) and a few as- sorted compositions, although an eighth symphony is supposed to be revealed eventually. Yet this voluntary supression of late music is not nearly so dismay- ing as the secrecy shrouding Si- belius' early compositions. Practi- cally everything written before the powerful tone poem "En Saga" of 1892 remains unpublished. How interesting it would be to observe the musical development of Si- belius before 1892. DEMONSTRATING STUDENTS waited in vain for Professors Gordy International Airport. U- U o. TOWER HOTEL 300 S. THAYER ON U.M. CAMPUS OPP. HILL AUD. AiR CONDITIONED musid in the "style" of Stravinsky, or Schoenberg, or Ravel, but never of Sibelius. The music of Sibelius is in- herently complex, intellectual, in- comprehensible. Or so say the reporters of the public which turns to more digestable morsels for comfort. This is not entirely true, for many of the tone poems and other works such as "Finlandia," "Swan of Tuonela," "Night Ride and Sunrise," the "Karelia Suite," PLACARDS RAISED on high in front of the Memorial Auditorium at Waseda University. ,.. , DINNERS AND SMORGASBORD .} s:" .......:::" ti ti'.;atai._ . .. v r rr}sa'FGrs?,^s :y i;:: :::{. .;"'i?' s ' 's +s; Alt 000 Y J I. C0 r - such truly feminine fashions in such a luxurious sweater ,at such an easy price! " R Introducing new Estron-lined winter weather U. S. KEDS -''Superb are just one of the reasons you'll like our complete selection of famous Crosby Squares. The others? Foot-cradling . comfort, plus choice leathers and meticulous workmanship that mean extra wear and value. Come in soon for a look.. : r: . .1 :;.t 3: ±:ti: e ," .." . * r 4t *~ ", ,: ' ,.y; >;i3:;i