The ten Pensées Lyriques, Op. 40 were composed by Sibelius over the years 1912 through 1914. They are similar in mood and length to the slightly later set of 10 Pieces (sometimes called Bagatelles), Op. 34, as well as to some of his folk-song arrangements - just a minute or two long, barely long enough to make an impression. Several of the Op. 40 pieces, frankly, don't make much of an impact, but there are exceptions. The opening "Valsette" features some interesting turns in the melodic line. The "Berceuse" (No. 5) is a sweet song evocative of a lazy summer evening. There are some surprising modulations in the "Pensée mélodique" (No. 6), which generates some drama in its unassertive way and is likely the best piece in the set. The "Rondoletto" (No. 7) sports a jolly little tune which is interrupted by one jolting eruption. And the "Petite Sérénade" (No. 9) is a rather poignant lyric study. But overall, this is by Sibelius' standards a fairly weak collection.



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