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Sibelius' Tempest Suite No.1, Op. 109 No.2 is a richly atmospheric orchestral work drawn from his incidental music for Shakespeare’s The Tempest. This suite captures the mystical and dramatic elements of the play, with evocative orchestration that ranges from eerie, shimmering textures to tempestuous surges of sound. The music reflects both the supernatural forces of Prospero’s island and the human emotions entangled within it, showcasing Sibelius' mastery of orchestral color and mood. Themes are often fleeting and fragmented, emphasizing the ethereal and unpredictable nature of the setting.

Compared to Suite No.2, which is generally lighter and more lyrical, Suite No.1 leans into the darker, more enigmatic aspects of the drama. While Suite No.2 includes dance-like and pastoral elements, Suite No.1 is more dramatic and storm-driven, featuring more overtly powerful passages that reflect the chaos and magic of the play’s central conflicts. The contrast between the two suites highlights Sibelius' ability to navigate both the delicate and the formidable, making them complementary yet distinct musical interpretations of Shakespeare’s final play.

 This Suite has 9 movements:

1. The oak tree
2. Humoresque
3. Caliban's Song
4. The Harvesters
5. Canon
6. Scene
7. Introduction - Lullaby
8. Interlude - Ariel's Song
9. The Tempest (shorter version of the Overture)