Jean Sibelius: Finlandia

Finlandia became a symbol of Finnish national identity and resistance during a time when Finland was under increasing pressure from Russian imperial rule. The tone poem stirred patriotic feelings and became an unofficial national anthem of Finland—especially the serene hymn-like section later adapted into the "Finlandia Hymn." Finlandia is one of the most frequently performed orchestral works from the early 20th century and a key part of Sibelius’s international legacy.