Sibelius: Finlandia (Prom 75)

Music by Sibelius marks the 100th anniversary of Finnish Independence. Performed by the BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Chorus and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sakari Oramo.

[jairuki]

You can't even imagine how this touches my heart as a Finn. Wonderful interpretation by the Ochestra and Choirs. Thank you Sakari 
Oramo, BBC orcestra and the choir!!!🇫🇮❤🇬🇧

[knivesgunfights]

I am not Finnish, I am American. At 74 yoa I am losing my struggle with cancer. I listen to this constantly, as it is the most emotionally gorgeous piece of music I have ever listened to. I cannot hold back the tears, and I am not ashamed of it.

[shlibbermacshlibber]

If Finland adopted this as their official anthem, they'd have the best anthem in the world

[qdHazen]

I’m not Finnish. I’m not even European. However I will say “Finlandia” is one of if not *the* greatest pieces of patriotic music ever composed. Truly, Sibelius was inspired when he composed it.

[KMac]

Finlandia is the most glorious piece of music of the Twentieth Century. Yes, it is a hymn to Finland by one of her sons. It is also, and more largely, a hymn of freedom that anyone who loves freedom or longs for freedom can revel in. It is music that elevates the human spirit to the highest level, and informs every listener of the mightiness of the human soul.

[scanpolar]

Surprised how well the chorus is singing Finlandia in Finnish.

[sirpaterimo]

Im born in Finland and I can never listen to this master piece without gryning...

[carissasmith]

Finland lives in me because it is the home of my ancestors. This version of Finlandia brings me to tears. Kiitos!

[zeuszeus]

The Finnish conductor says wow at the end!
As a British citizen, I am very happy that my country paid this heartfelt tribute to Finland and its people on the 100th anniversary of Finnish Independence.
Beautiful music from Sibelius! Fantastic singing from the choir! Difficult music to listen to without tears!

[janepulling]

Sadly we had a small family memorial service today for my dear friend, Auvo Kemppinen. He had only one request for his service and that was that Finlandia be played. Auvo emigrated to the USA at the age of 17, speaking no English. He grew up in Finland during the Winter War and then WWII. An entirely self made man, he earned an MSE and an MBA. He had a long and successful career as a metallurgical engineer. He was the very embodiment of the Finnish characteristic of sisu. I didn’t cry until Finlandia was played and then I couldn’t help it.

[LS-oqqh]

I am not Finnish and don't even have one once of Finnish heritage in my blood. As a south korean, i feel a great sense of ferocious emotional power each time i listen to this music and feel a very strong sense of patriotism for Finland. That's the sign of solid compositional skill.
Edit: South Korean national hymn does not stir this much of emotions. I guess i should re-do the DNA test to see if i am really south korean. Maybe i should stop listening to this addictive musical masterpiece.

[DafneVallström-rz]

In Sweden the word FIN has the meaning Beautiful and Noble. That Sweden calls Finland FINLAND is really the ultimate love of a fellow nation expressed. 🇸🇪 Know thy language 😊🌼💙 The beautiful and noble LAND (country) = finland.. from a Swedish perspective.

[seongtaek]

I am not Finnish. But I am proud of Finland. Very proud. Thank you. Kiitos!

[martinpooley]

As someone has commented elsewhere on YouTube, this makes you patriotic for a country that's not your own. It brought tears to my eyes.

[scottlang]

I've found a new favourite piece of classical music. God bless the brave Finns.

[Ianassa]

Brought tear in my eyes. One humble thank you from this Finn.

[BusaGari]

Finnish is an hard language but singers perform and pronounce it incredible well!

[morrisburke]

With the Russian onslaught on Ukraine and the possibility of Finland joining NATO, I was reminded of Finland's unofficial anthem composed by Sibelius when it was under Russian occupation. Many of you may know Finlandia. It starts with a theme indicating repression followed by a call to arms, then a benediction for those who died in the resistance, followed by the theme of victory. It is for me one of the most stirring call to arms. An ode to freedom.

[Kuonot]

I'm a Finn and this is one of my favourite versions of Finlandia hymn. Thank you Sakari Oramo, BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and Singers for truly amazing work! Tear in my eye and goosebumps the whole time.

[culturaactiva]

Omg, I am from Colombia and it is difficult for me to hold back my tears with this beauuutiful music and lyrics...I can not imagine what feeling a Finland person singing it...