National anthems

It has just come to my attention that on Oct. 2, 1994, you ran an interesting article on national anthems (Bizarre Tales Behind National Anthems). Interesting as the piece is, there is one glaring error. Edward Grieg did not compose Finlandia. It is by the great Finnish composer, Jan Sibelius. Finlandia, furthermore, is not a national anthem.

The work does have tremendous resonance in Finland, where it stands somewhat there as America the Beautiful stands in the United States. Though neither piece is a national anthem, both have the power to stir profoundly patriotic feelings in their home countries. Finland's national anthem, incidentally, is Our Country.

TOM WENDEL

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA 95192

USA