Humoresque V Op. 89c

Among the best of Jean Sibelius’ oeuvre are his 1917 compositions The Humoresques . This fabulous and charming concerto was divided into two groups for publication, Opus 87 and Opus 89, and demonstrates his sublime skill with the Violin. He uses a considerably smaller Orchestra accompaniment to the Violin in the second group but maintains the subtlety of depth and texture. The opening bars of the Fifth Humoresque act as a continuation of the minor tonality that dominated the previous two pieces, but the music soon reverts into a warmer major mood. Op.89 No.3 is the highlight of this group, and one of Sibelius' most immediately compelling creations.