Hugo Alfvén

From Wind Repertory Project
Hugo Alfvén

Biography

Hugo Emil Alfvén (May 1, 1872, Stockholm – May 8, 1960, Falun) was a Swedish composer, conductor, violinist, and painter.

Alfvén studied at the Music Conservatory in Stockholm from 1887 to 1891 with the violin as his main instrument, receiving lessons from Lars Zetterquist. He also took private composition lessons from Johan Lindegren, a leading counterpoint expert. He earned a living by playing the violin at the Royal Opera in Stockholm.

Alfvén became known as one of Sweden's principal composers of his time, together with his contemporary Wilhelm Stenhammar. Alfvén's music is in a late-Romantic idiom. His orchestration is skillful and colorful, reminiscent of that of Richard Strauss. Like Strauss, Alfvén wrote a considerable amount of program music. Some of Alfvén's music evokes the landscape of Sweden.


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