Aino Sibelius, the wife of the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, was not a muse but an active figure in the creative work of her spouse. This becomes evident from Riitta Konttinen's smoothly written biography Aino Sibelius.
Konttinen paints a vivid picture of the multitalented Järnefelt family. The Russian-born mother Elisabet encouraged her children to fulfill themselves. The close, respectful connections inside the family are beautifully described, as well as the siblings' artistic activities for example in music, visual arts and literature.
Aino Järnefelt was a promising pianist already when she met her future spouse at the end of the 19th century. She also studied sculpture and designed furniture.
Aino's notable musical talent was the factor which enabled the connection to the composer, and which made the marriage last despite Jean's drinking periods and the financial problems in their early days. In Jean Sibelius' letters throughout the years one can sense his deep respect towards Aino, her artistic skills and her support.
The Sibelius family lived in the Lake Tuusula artist community, and the book offers intriguing reading about the private lives and artistic activities within the community. Aino Sibelius' knowledge and love of the gardening work in their home Ainola is documented in the book. The value of the garden in the food supply of the family cannot be overestimated. The garden was extremely important to Aino throughout her whole life.
The biograpy is a dive into Finnish history more than a hundred years ago: class society, the struggle for women's rights, the efforts to Russify Finland, new ideaologies, the status of Finnish and Swedish languages in Finland, the Civil war, among other things.
The Finnish people were struggling for their existence, but still believed in a better future. Jean Sibelius' music was of great importance to the nation aiming at independence. At the heart of this music was also Aino Sibelius.
Riitta Konttinen: Aino Sibelius. Siltala, 2019.
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