But for the composer Jean Sibelius, the stories of the Finnish national saga, the Kalevala, would probably be known only by Finns. The amplification of poetry and literature into public spectacle has always been one of the prime functions of music. The tales pre-date the ninth century Hungarian migration south and were oral for a thousand years. We have gathered on certain evenings to celebrate Sibelius’ 150th birthday this year, and to hear, like hoary Vikings round a fire, not only the ancient tales but also what they fed, the symphonies and tone poems. It has been the host orchestra’s prerogative to deliver the tribute, sharing the honour with their Scottish co-equals, whose history mingles more closely with our Nordic neighbours. A richly fibrous string tone has been the h