Биография

This Romantic composer was born in Germany but is considered Finnish in outlook and musical perspective. He was taught the violin by Spohr and composition by Hauptmann. Serving in the court orchestra of Stockholm brought Pacius into a position whereby he was able to later settle in Helsinki. There he served as a lecturer at the university in music eventually becoming a professor, 1860, and receiving an honorary doctorate in 1877. Interestingly this German born composer is considered the father of Finnish music perhaps because of his setting of Runeberg's poem "Vart land" which became Finland's national anthem. The output of his music was influenced by Finnish folk music as well as Mendelssohn and Spohr. The operas which he composed included "Kung Karls jaky," and "Loreley," Other compositions included cantatas, a symphony, a violin concerto and numerous orchestral pieces and songs. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi