Jean Sibelius

Humoresque IV Op. 89b

Among the best of Jean Sibelius' oeuvre are his 1917 compositions The Humoresques. This fabulous and charming concerto was divided into two groups for publication, Opus 87 and Opus 89, and demonstrates his sublime skill with the Violin. He uses a considerably smaller Orchestra accompaniment to the Violin in the second group but maintains the subtlety of depth and texture. Though there are traditional elements to all parts of this opus, Humoresque No. 4 harks back to the past the most, reminiscent of the delicacy of mid-nineteenth century musical miniatures. Virtuosic and challenging, the soloist has the opportunity to indulge in a more traditionally exhibitionistic display. Score for String Orchestra and Violin Solo.