Jean Sibelius conducted the first public performance of his 3rd Symphony on September 25, 1907 in Helsinki, Grand Duchy of Finland.

The reviews were mixed: Karl Flodin praised the work, but the Helsingin Sanomat reviewer claimed that the direct impact of the work was weaker than that of the first symphony.
03. Third symphony op. 52 (1907) – hsk-sbs-prd

150th Birthday of Jean Sibelius (1865-1957), Composer
Issued by Finland in 2015 and designed by Pekka Loiri

 

If Sibelius’ first two symphonies may be broadly classified as belonging to “national romanticism,” the Third seems to evade any such categorization. It clearly is a work of transition. Most commentators have observed in it a tendency toward a kind of “classicism.” It probably is the first movement (Allegro moderato), with its clear-cut formal design and effortless grace of orchestration, that is responsible for this view. The second movement (Andantino con moto, quasi allegretto), which recycles a simple theme in the manner of a folk song, does not conflict with the impression left behind by the first. The third movement (Moderato—Allegro ma non tanto, con energia), on the other hand, does not seem to fit into this picture. It is utterly problematic in form and leaves many questions unanswered.
Symphony No. 3, Jean Sibelius

September 25, 2024 featured sailor and notorious mutineer Fletcher Christian.