01/05/1872, Stockholm, Sweden – 08/05/1960, Falun, Sweden
Swedish composer, conductor and violinist. At early age he arned his living by playing violin at the Royal Opera in Stockholm and the Royal Swedish Orchestra. He later became known as one of Sweden's principal composers of his time, together with his contemporary Wilhelm Stenhammer. 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. Among his works are a large number of pieces for male voice choir, 5 symphonies and 3 orchestral "Swedish Rhapsodies. He toured Europe as a conductor throughout his life.
