Select Genre

Classical Music

Jazz and Blues

Nostalgia

Contemporary Instrumental

World Music

AudioBooks

Relaxation Music

Essentials

New Releases

Featured Label

Recently Added

Critics' Picks

Composers

Artists

Exclusive Samplers

Virtual Box Sets

Highlights

Audiophile Albums

Listening Guides

Lifestyle Compilations

200 Naxos Essentials

Featured Series

Most Downloaded

New Labels

Podcasts

Gift Certificates

Search Options

Music Browser

Advanced Search

Subscribe to our
Newsletter

Your feedback, please.
Please feel free to send your comments or suggestions to our Customer Service.

Classiscsonline Home » Composers » B » Berwald, Franz

Franz Berwald (1796 - 1868)

Franz Berwald, descended from a family of Swedish musicians of remoter German origin, was a violinist by training and became the most important figure in Swedish music of the 19th century. In his career he enjoyed varying success in his own country, eventually turning to business, managing a glass works and opening a saw-mill. He was appointed professor of composition of the Swedish academy only in 1867, shortly before his death.

Orchestral Works

Of Berwald’s four surviving symphonies the third, the Sinfonie singulière, remains the most popular. Like those of his Danish contemporary Carl Nielsen, Berwald’s symphonies have idiosyncratic titles, the first known as Sinfonie sérieuse, the second as Sinfonie capricieuse, and the fourth originally as Sinfonie naïve. He played his own Double Violin Concerto with his brother August, by whom his Violin Concerto was first performed in 1820. His Piano Concerto dates from 1855.

Chamber Music

Berwald concentrated largely on the composition of chamber music between the years 1849 and 1859, completing two piano quintets, four piano trios and two string quartets.

Discography