Selim Palmgren

The Sea Prelude

Selim Palmgren (1878-1951) was a Finnish composer, pianist, and conductor, whose talents often led to him being compared to Chopin. He studied in Helsinki and Berlin, before touring successfully as a concert pianist across Scandinavia and the United States. He later held posts as a Professor of Composition on both sides of the Atlantic. He was one of the last members of the Romantic movement, but struggled to find his own individual style from behind the domination of Sibelius.

The Sea was written in 1907 as the twelfth of a set of 24 Piano preludes (Op. 17). It is generally regarded as one of his best Piano preludes, and makes a stunning addition to any recital.