From the beginning of 1917, Sibelius started drinking again, triggering arguments with Aino. Their relationship improved with the excitement resulting from the start of the Russian Revolution. By the end of the year, Sibelius had composed his "Jäger March". The piece proved particularly popular after the Finnish parliament accepted the Senate's declaration of independence from Russia in December 1917. The "Jäger March", first played on 19 January 1918, delighted the Helsinki elite for a short time until the launch of the Finnish Civil War in 27 January. Sibelius naturally supported the Whites, but as a tolstoyan, Aino Sibelius had some sympathies for the Reds too.