Jean Sibelius

Virgil Thompson called it "vulgar" and "provincial" but Sibelius's "Second Symphony" has become a popular favorite with audiences. Sibelius wrote the piece in Italy in homage to Dante's Divine Comedy. The orchestra trembles throughout the first movement and the low strings lead a bassoon duet in the seductive second movement representing death's visit to Don Juan. His "Tempest" is a joyful set of romantic incidental music for Shakespeare's play.