Sibelius, the 'temporalist'

The use of temporality in the symphonies of Jean Sibelius is a central aspect of his compositional style. Throughout his symphonic works, Sibelius explores the complex relationship between time and music, and he uses a range of compositional techniques to create a sense of temporal flow and development.
One of the most notable ways in which Sibelius uses temporality in his symphonies is through his use of extended musical forms. In contrast to the traditional symphonic form, which is typically structured around a series of repeated musical ideas and clear-cut structures, Sibelius's symphonies are often characterized by a sense of openness and indeterminacy. Rather than following a predetermined form, the music in his symphonies is often structured around a series of temporal events, with each event unfolding in its own unique way.
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This approach to musical form is evident in many of Sibelius's symphonies, including his fifth and seventh symphonies. In both of these works, Sibelius uses extended forms to create a sense of temporal flow and development, with the music continually shifting and evolving in response to the temporal structures that he has created. This creates a sense of dynamic movement, as the music continually unfolds and changes in response to the temporal structures that Sibelius has created.
In addition to his use of extended forms, Sibelius also employs a range of other compositional techniques to create a sense of temporality in his symphonies. One of these is his use of repetition, which he employs in a number of different ways throughout his symphonies. In some cases, Sibelius uses repetition to create a sense of continuity and coherence, as the music continually returns to familiar musical ideas and structures. In other cases, he uses repetition to create a sense of instability and uncertainty, as the music continually shifts and changes in response to the repeated material.

Another key aspect of Sibelius's approach to temporality is his unique use of the orchestra. Throughout his symphonies, Sibelius employs the full range of orchestral colors and textures, using the various instruments of the orchestra to create a sense of temporal flow and development. This is particularly evident in his seventh symphony, in which Sibelius uses the orchestra to create a sense of dynamic movement, with the music constantly shifting and changing in response to the various instruments of the orchestra.

Overall, the use of temporality in the symphonies of Jean Sibelius is a central aspect of his compositional style. Through his innovative approach to musical form and his use of repetition and the orchestra, Sibelius is able to create a sense of temporal flow and development that is both dynamic and engaging. His symphonies are a testament to his mastery of the art of symphonic composition, and they continue to captivate and inspire listeners to this day.