Culture, Music

The greatest Swedish contribution to music has been in the field of song. Famous Swedish singers have included Jenny Lind, Christina Nilsson, Jussi Bjorling, and Birgit Nilsson. Swedish folk music reflects the natural surroundings and the remoteness of the country through the ages. In the 18th century, a period of great cultural activity, King Gustav III founded the Academy of Music, the Stockholm Opera, and the Royal Ballet. Swedish Italian ballerina Marie Taglioni was an important figure in dance in the 19th century. A Swedish composer who achieved international fame was symphonist Franz Berwald. Modern composers include Hugo Alfven, whose music is based on Swedish folk songs; Hilding Rosenberg; and Karl-Birger Blomdahl. Sweden is also home to many popular musical groups and is the world’s third largest exporter of music.