 Hugo
Alfvén |
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The
life |
The life of Hugo Alfvén
A chronology by Lennart Hedwall from "Hugo Alfvén", Stockholm 1992
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1872-1899 |
| 1900-1919 | |
| 1920-1939 | |
| 1940-1960 |
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1872
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Born May 1st in Stockholm, the fourth of the six children of master
tailor Anders Alfvén and his wife Lotten Axelsson Puke. His
parents are Baptists and his father is choir director at the Betel
Chapel. |
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1880-talet
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After his father's death in 1881, the family is supported by his mother who, between 1882 and 1907, runs a grocery in Östermalm in Stockholm. The summers are usually spent with relatives in the Stockholm archipelago. Begins to learn the piano in 1883, but changes to the violin under former orchestral player, Louis Müller, in the following year. After only one year's tuition, he is sent to Johan Lindberg. Accepted in the spring of 1887 as a pupil at the Music Conservatory to study under Lindberg, and also to study harmony with Aron Bergenson (until 1891). Spends the summers 1887-90 with Lindberg in Säter and Visby. Begins also to study painting with Otto Hesselbom, autumn 1887, and with Oscar Törnå (1888-90), which includes copywork at the National Museum of Art. | |
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1888
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First real attempt at composition: Two violin pieces, Souvenir
de Säter and Barcarole (together with Ernst Ellberg).
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1889
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Appears for the first time as violinist
at a charity concert at the Betel Chapel. In the autumn, is refused
entry to the counterpoint and composition class at the Music Conservatory.
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1890
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Employed as second-violinist in the Hovkapellet
(Opera orchestra) in the autumn. |
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1891
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Begins violin studies with Lars Zetterkvist
and counterpoint and composition with Johan Lindegren (both until
1897). In the autumn, deputy concert master in the Hovkapellet for
Zetterkvist (until 1892). |
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1892
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First of a series of regular public concert
appearances at a choral concert in Berns saloon. Decides to abandon
painting and devote himself wholly to music. |
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1893
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First solo concert in the lecture hall
of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and a performer at several
other concerts. First published composition: Visa (Song) for
voice and piano. |
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1894
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Various concerts as violinist, also during
the subsequent years. |
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1895
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Composes Sonata and Romance
for violin and piano. |
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1896
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Own concert in the Royal Swedish Academy
of Sciences including the violin sonata, Romance and songs. Vaggvisa
(Lullaby) for voice and piano is published. Receives the state travel
scholarship for composers of 1,000 Sw. Kr. (also in 1897 and 1899).
Symphony No. 1. |
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1897
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The symphony is performed at the Royal
Opera. Study travels to Berlin, Paris and Brussels, where he studies
the violin with César Thomson (until 1898). |
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1898
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Violin Sonata and Drömmeri
(Rêverie) for piano are published. Completes Symphony No.
2, and Elegy for horn and organ. Concert tour through the
country during the autumn. |
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1899
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Symphony No. 2 receives its first performance at the Royal Opera and is his definite break-through. Concerts and violin pupils. Publication of 10 Songs op. 4, Sekelskifteskantaten (Cantata for the Turn of the Century), songs Op. 8 and Op. 9. | |
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