Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) is widely recognized as Finland’s greatest composer. His music was not only a touchstone for Finnish national pride but also a rallying point during the country’s struggle for independence from Russia. He is best known for his seven symphonies, his Violin Concerto, and his tone poem Finlandia. After 1927, he became creatively blocked and produced no more major works, destroying many pieces of music written thereafter as unworthy.