Among the best of Jean Sibelius’ oeuvre are his 1917 compositions The Humoresques. This fabulous and charming concerto was divided into two groups for publication, Opus 87 and Opus 89, and demonstrates his sublime skill with the Violin.
He uses a considerably smaller Orchestra accompaniment to the Violin in the second group but maintains the subtlety of depth and texture. The opening bars of the Fifth Humoresque act as a continuation of the minor tonality that dominated the previous two pieces, but the music soon reverts into a warmer major mood. Op.89 No.3 is the highlight of this group, and one of Sibelius' most immediately compelling creations.