His works include nationalistic symphonic poems such as En saga 1893 and Finlandia 1900, a violin concerto 1904, and seven symphonies. He studied the violin and composition at Helsinki and went on to Berlin and Vienna. In 1940 he abruptly ceased composing and spent the rest of his life as a recluse. Restoration of many works to their original state has helped to dispel his conservative image and reveal unexpectedly radical features.
