Four valuable letters by Sibelius rescued for Finland
Published: 17.12.2009
The National Library of Finland won an exciting auction with the help of Finland’s London Embassy
The National Library of Finland obtained a valuable addition for its manuscript collection when it acquired – at an auction held at Sotheby’s on 8 December, coincidentally Sibelius’s birthday – four letters written by the composer to the Danish playwright Poul Knudsen.
Sibelius composed the libretto for Knudsen’s ballet-pantomime Scaramouche, and the letters written during the years 1913–1922 concern this work.
Besides their value as national property, the letters are also one piece of the mosaic forming the complete critical edition Jean Sibelius Works project, a comprehensive compilation of the composer’s output currently being assembled at the National Library of Finland.
The Finnish Embassy in London, whose personnel attended the auction at Sotheby’s, provided valuable assistance that facilitated the repatriation of the culturally significant materials. The letters had attracted considerable attention in the auction community, and Cultural Affairs Officer Pirjo Pellinen had to compete with other bidders before the contest was resolved in the National Library’s favor.
Behind this cultural act was the Anu Karessuo Fund, belonging to the National Library of Finland’s Cultural Heritage Fund, whose support enabled the letters to be acquired.
The letters will arrive in Finland in 2010, at which time they will be immediately furnished to the National Library of Finland’s Sibelius researchers for detailed examination.
Further information
Project Manager Kristiina Hilden, National Library Cultural Heritage Fund
Tel. +358 (0)9 191 22723, kristiina.hilden(at)helsinki.fi
