The foundations of Sibelius's reputation are his symphonies, tone poems and increasingly his songs but the music he wrote for the stage throughout his creative life includes some of his finest scores. This recording presents his theatre music from two distinct periods - the 1900s (contemporary with his Violin Concerto, and the Second and Third Symphonies) and the 1920s, including some of the last works of his to survive.

Striking economy of expression and intensity are characteristics shared by much of his incidental music for the stage. In his stage music, Sibelius tends not so much to accompany dramatic action but to set scenes, create atmosphere or provide a prelude or intermezzo to the action for what were predominantly exotic or mystical dramas.

Joseph Swensen and the SCO have released five recordings together through the Orchestra's partnership with Linn including music by Dvorak, Brahms, Mendelssohn and Prokofiev.