Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, a trained violinist, rarely composed for ensembles without string instruments; indeed he advised his pupils against doing so. After its premiere performance on December 14th 1899, his “Preludio” was withdrawn from circulation by the composer. Special permission by the Sibelius family was granted for a 1989 recording by the Goteborg (Sweden) Symphony, an ensemble that was committed to recording all of the known Sibelius repertoire. In his original and more extensive version this work was a part of an overture entitled "All'Overtura" which after revision was to become the first movement of the multi-movement "Scenes historiques". The Preludio reflects Sibelius' early affection for the works of Richard Wagner both harmonically and melodically.