Franz Berwald (1796-1868) was a Swedish composer whose originality was recognised more fully after his death than during his lifetime. Born into a musical family in Stockholm, he worked as violinist, teacher, orthopaedic clinic manager and industrial entrepreneur as well as composer.

His catalogue includes four symphonies, chamber music, operas, tone poems and concert pieces. Works such as the Symphonie singulière reveal a distinctive voice, full of unexpected turns and formal independence.

Berwald’s music is Classical in outline but often strange in detail, with abrupt modulations, asymmetric phrase shapes and a dry, inventive wit. He did not fit easily into the musical institutions of his time, which partly explains his neglect.

Later generations came to value him as one of Sweden’s most important nineteenth-century composers. His music feels less like a provincial echo of Europe than a private map, drawn with sharp lines and surprising colours.