Jean Sibelius (8th December 1865 – 20th September 1957) was a Finnish composer and violinist of the

late romantic and early modern periods. He is often credited with having helped Finland create a
national identity. Sibelius is most widely remembered for his seven symphonies and tone poems
including Finlandia. Finlandia was written in 1899 and revised in 1900. It was written for a protest
against increasing censorship from the Russian Empire. Most of the piece is taken up with rousing
and turbulent music which evokes the struggle of the Finnish people. However, the serene and
melodic Finlandia Hymn. This became a very famous national song of Finland. In some performances
the piece is played with a choir singing the words to the Finlandia Hymn.