Knowing how large and how uneven Sibelius' output of shorter, "occasional" pieces is, unjustly neglected works of quality like Op. 77 should be noted. These two pieces, which also exist in a version for cello and orchestra, were written in 1914 and first performed on March 30, 1916 by cellist Ossian Fohström (to whom Sibelius dedicated them) and the Helsinki Orchestra conducted by Sibelius.

The first, "Cantique (Laetare anima mea)" (the subtitle means "Rejoice, my soul") is lightly scored for a pair of flutes, clarinet, two horns, timpani, harp and strings, and is a heartfelt, lovely piece. The harp and the rich, rhapsodic string textures recall the style of Ralph Vaughan Williams. The second, "Devotion (Ab imo pectore)" ("From my very heart") features a larger orchestral compliment: two flutes, clarinet, two bassoons, four horns, three trombones, and strings. Not quite so fine a work as "Cantique," "Devotion" opens with pulsating strings over which the soloist soars. Poignant and frequent dissonances mark the central section. It's a slightly melodramatic but effective composition.

Both of the Op. 77 pieces are noteworthy for their subtle but always interesting combinations of tone color, and for the quality of the string writing. Sibelius was, after all, a very good violinist himself, and had completed his Violin Concerto just a decade or so previously. If the Op. 77 pieces are not quite distinctive enough to break into the standard repertory, they are at least attractive enough to deserve an occasional hearing.



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