REPRINT SERIES

Sibelius' Suite No. 2, Op. 109 No. 3, "The Tempest", is part of his incidental music for Shakespeare’s play The Tempest, composed in 1925–1926. This second suite, distinct from the first, features a selection of movements that highlight the atmospheric and dramatic elements of the play, capturing the mystical and stormy essence of Prospero’s island. It includes evocative orchestral depictions such as The Oak Tree, Caliban’s Song, and The Storm, showcasing Sibelius’ masterful use of tone color and orchestration.

Compared to Suite No. 1, which contains more lyrical and dance-like pieces, Suite No. 2 delves into darker, more mysterious sonorities. The music reflects the supernatural and psychological depth of the play, particularly in movements portraying the sorcery of Prospero and the wild, untamed nature of Caliban. With shimmering strings, ominous brass, and vivid orchestral textures, Sibelius crafts a soundscape that enhances Shakespeare’s themes of magic, fate, and transformation.