Armas Järnefelt’s music manuscripts donated to the National Library

The donation also includes the manuscript of Unter den Linden by Italian composer and pianist Ferrucio Busoni (1866−1924). Busoni was Järnefelt’s teacher and friend.

The donation was made by Armas Järnefelt’s Society. The society, which works to preserve Järnefelt’s legacy, turns 20 in April. The donation of the manuscripts to the National Library is part of the society’s celebrations. The National Library of Finland has gratefully accepted the donation and congratulates Armas Järnefelt’s Society on its successful history.

The donated materials will be appended to the National Library’s existing Armas Järnefelt archive. After processing and cataloguing, the manuscripts can be ordered for viewing in the National Library’s Special Collections Reading Room. 

A master of two countries

Armas Järnefelt had a significant career in both Finland and Sweden as a conductor and a versatile composer. He was the chief conductor of the Royal Swedish Opera for approximately 25 years, and became a Swedish citizen in 1909. In Finland, Järnefelt led the Finnish National Opera and served as its artistic director. In addition, he led several other orchestras. As a composer, his body of work consists of both orchestral pieces and works of a smaller scale. Järnefelt was close with Jean Sibelius as Järnefelt’s sister was married to Sibelius.