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Classic 107 is setting sail for Sweden this week! From Monday, April 28, through Friday, May 2, tune in during the 1 p.m. hour as we feature the lush, lively orchestral works of one of Sweden’s most beloved composers: Hugo Alfvén.
Born May 1, 1872, Alfvén became a towering figure in Swedish music, and what better way to celebrate his legacy than with a full week of his symphonies, suites, and ballet music?
Each afternoon, we’ll dive into a different piece — from sweeping symphonies to colourful suites — all showcasing Alfvén’s signature blend of Nordic spirit, Romantic grandeur, and vivid orchestration. Here’s a look at what’s coming up, along with a little background on the man behind the music.
Who was Hugo Alfvén?
Hugo Alfvén (1872–1960) was a towering figure in Swedish music — both literally and figuratively. Standing nearly two metres tall, he loomed large as a composer, conductor, violinist, and painter.
A true Romantic at heart, Alfvén was known for his vibrant, lyrical style, often infused with elements of Swedish folk music. His works frequently evoke the natural beauty of Scandinavia: sparkling fjords, deep forests, and soaring mountain vistas. Alfvén also had a successful career as a choral conductor, serving for decades as director of the famed Orphei Drängar male choir. His music, especially his symphonies and rhapsodies, remains deeply loved in Sweden and continues to enchant audiences worldwide.
This week’s Alfvén playlist on Classic 107:
Monday, April 28: Symphony No. 1 in F minor
Performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conducted by Niklas Willén
Alfvén’s First Symphony, completed in 1897, is an impressive debut. Written while he was still studying at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, the symphony shows clear influences of Brahms and Tchaikovsky but already hints at the distinctively bright, Nordic colour that would define Alfvén’s mature style. It’s an energetic, ambitious work — youthful but sophisticated — and launched Alfvén’s reputation as a leading voice in Swedish music.
Tuesday, April 29: Människans kvinna (The Woman of Man) Suite
Performed by the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Hans-Peter Frank
This orchestral suite is drawn from Alfvén’s 1919 music for Hjalmar Bergman’s play Människans kvinna (The Woman of Man). It’s an emotionally charged work, capturing the play’s themes of love, betrayal, and fate. With its shifting moods and lyrical passages, the suite showcases Alfvén’s talent for painting vivid emotional landscapes through music.
Wednesday, April 30: Symphony No. 3 in E major
Performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conducted by Niklas Willén
Often considered his sunniest and most relaxed symphony, Alfvén’s Third (1905) was largely inspired by a trip to Italy. The warmth and brightness of the Mediterranean seep into the music’s flowing melodies and buoyant rhythms. Compared to the stormier First Symphony, this is Alfvén at his most lyrical and expansive — a celebration of life and beauty.
Thursday, May 1: Bergakungen (The Mountain King) Suite
Performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conducted by Niklas Willén
Bergakungen is a ballet-pantomime Alfvén composed between 1916 and 1923, steeped in Swedish folklore. It tells the story of a young couple who encounter trolls and magical creatures in the mountains. Though the full ballet was rarely performed, the orchestral suite Alfvén crafted from the score is a masterpiece in its own right — filled with mysterious atmosphere, dazzling dance rhythms, and soaring romantic melodies.
Friday, May 2: The Prodigal Son Ballet Suite
Performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conducted by Niklas Willén
Closing out the week is The Prodigal Son (Den förlorade sonen), another ballet suite Alfvén completed in 1957 when he was in his 80s. Based on the biblical parable, this music is mature, reflective, and richly expressive. It’s a moving testament to Alfvén’s lifelong mastery of orchestral colour and emotional nuance.
Don't miss it!
Join us each day at 1 p.m. as we celebrate Hugo Alfvén’s remarkable legacy. Whether you're already a fan or hearing his music for the first time, this week promises a journey into the heart of Scandinavian musical splendour — only on Classic 107.