Kuolema (Death) is a drama by the Finnish writer Arvid Järnefelt, first performed on 2 December 1903.
The play is notable for its incidental music: a group of six compositions created by the author's brother-in-law, Jean Sibelius.
The most famous selection is the opening number, Valse triste (Sad Waltz), was later adapted into a separate concert piece.
A flock of cranes flies overhead at that point, one of which separates from the group, carrying an infant to them.
As the house burns, Paavali reflects on his past life, and sees the ghost of his mother, holding a scythe, in the flames.