Hero in Finland

In Finland, away from the world's musical spotlight, there lives a bald, rotund old man who with his music has won more respect than almost any other living composer. Finns idolize their Jean Sibelius, stamp and cheer when they hear his music expertly played. Last year they cheered Werner Janssen, son of the Manhattan restaurateur ("Janssen Wants to See You"). And because Sibelius praised him lavishly too, young Janssen was given a chance this winter to conduct the New York Philharmonic-Symphony.

Most Manhattan critics felt that he was too immature for so important a job, expressed no regrets when the Philharmonic failed to re-engage him. But back in Finland last week Werner Janssen had a hero's welcome. Again the Finns cheered everything he played. Again Sibelius championed him, said: "I cannot say how much I admire his inspiring and ardent interpretation of my intentions."

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