Oscar Byström

Swedish composer and pianist, born October 13, 1821 in Stockholm, died July 22, 1909 at Aspnäs in Spillersboda. He conducted musical studies 1834–1836 and underwent officer training 1836-1847. He performed as a pianist in concert contexts and made a special impression during the company's balls. He became increasingly interested in chamber music during the 1850s, and the compositions from this period were increasingly influenced by Franz Berwald, with whom he was also friends. After a failed investment in business during these years, including a famous business with a lime factory on Gotland, where Franz Berwald saved his friend with capital, Byström invested entirely in music. His friendship with the singer prince Prince Gustaf and the court gave him the opportunity to give piano lessons to Princess Eugénie and get a position at the Academy of Music as an inspector in 1866. In parallel with his career as a musician, Byström was a professional soldier and received the rank of captain in 1857. When Byström retired in connection with his retirement in 1872, he moved to Finland, where he led the Musical Society in Turku until 1876 and also served as conductor in Helsinki at the New Theater 1872–1876. He conducted lucrative concerts and events there due to the theatre's financial situation. The orchestra was also involved in music in plays, which gave the composer the opportunity to compose the operetta Herman Vimpel, premiered in 1875 in Helsinki. Byström devoted himself to choral research after returning from Finland and became active in church music, with numerous concerts and tours on the program. Member (no. 385) of the Royal Academy of Music on January 22, 1864.