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This article was originally published in FMQ in 2005. “In an era of complex negotiations of personal and cultural identity, glocalised jazz styles in the broader forum of the global cultural economy are providing a means for musicians around the world to assert their cultural identity within the music”, writes Stuart Nicholson.

Jean Sibelius Works is compiling a critical edition of the complete works of Sibelius, based on a variety of archival sources. The study is building a fascinating picture of the composer’s creative process while also challenging the traditional notion of what is a ‘work’.

Einar Englund is one of the most controversial composers in post-war Finland. Though regarded by some as a Classicist, he also acquired a reputation as a renegade Modernist. His musical legacy therefore merits reassessment in the permissive musical climate of the 21st century.

"In a small culture like Finland's, the presence of a sovereign master of his field like Sibelius is bound to have a very deep significance. At least two generations of Finnish composers completed their life's work in his enormous shadow," wrote composer Jouni Kaipainen in his article about Leevi Madetoja, published in FMQ in 1985.

America had Bing Crosby, Britain Al Bowlly, France Maurice Chevalier. In the pre-war years, every country had a charming gentleman singer who entertained us on records, radio and the screen. But lucky Finland had everything twofold. We had the Malmstén brothers, Georg and Eugen, the bright singing stars of the thirties.