Word: ainola
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...composer himself takes all such honors calmly and gratefully, as he carries put the routine of the past half century in his big house, Ainola, in the woods 25 miles north of Helsinki. He stays in bed late to read the papers, which arrive as gifts from all over the world. On the rare occasions when he receives visitors in the afternoon, he joins them at coffee cakes, cognac and a cigar. During the day he reads heavily (mostly history), listens to concerts on his powerful radio, and works. Nobody knows just what his music is like these years...
While Parliament considered boosting his pension 800% (to $6,926 a year), Composer Jean Sibelius celebrated a quiet 85th birthday at his home, Ainola, near Jarvenpaa, opened a few presents, including 500 cigars, saw a few visitors, including President Juho Paasikivi, who brought along a present: a solid gold medal weighing about a pound...
Finnish Composer Jean Julius Christian Sibelius refused offers of haven all over Europe, said he would sit tight at his Ainola estate near Helsinki. Finnish Runner Paavo Nurmi taped the windows of his Helsinki sporting goods shop, went ofi to enlist as a chauffeur. Finnish Author Frans Eemil Sillanpda, his seven offspring at his heels, left for Stockholm to receive his Nobel Prize for literature. Unable to stand drinks en route, Author Sillanpaa excused himself: "It's a little awkward at the moment but I'll soon have some money...
That was two years ago. Next week Sibelius has another birthday. This time there will be no speeches, no receptions, no disquieting crowds of idolaters. That birthday belonged to Finland. This belongs to Sibelius. Full of years and honors, he will pass the day at his villa, "Ainola," in the forests some 30 mi. north of the capital, not expecting a visit from even one of his five married daughters. Yet for him his 72nd birthday will be more important than his work. A good part of his day will be spent "working in undisturbed peace." His Eighth Symphony...
...forth to marry and raise families of their own. He and his wife live alone, looked after by two maids. He relishes good food and drink, smokes continually the best and largest Havana cigars, is partial between meals to well-aged whiskey served in beautiful cutglass tumblers. Visitors to "Ainola" are impressed by his measured hospitality and particularly by the genuine good nature which belies his fearsome face...
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