Ruben Liljefors (1871−1936)

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Ruben Mattias Liljefors, born on 30 September 1871 in Uppsala and died on 4 March 1936 in Uppsala, was a composer, pianist and conductor. After studying composition and conducting in Leipzig and Dresden from 1895 to 1899, he worked as a choir leader and music teacher in Uppsala during 1899–1902. He then worked in Gothenburg during 1902–11 before becoming the principal conductor for the newly formed Gävle County Orchestral Society in 1912, as well as choir leader and music teacher in the same town. Liljefors’ music combines the tonal language of late romanticism with characteristics inspired by folk music. His most important major works included a symphony and a piano concerto. Today, however, he is best known for his Christmas song for children, ‘När det lider mot jul’.

Summary list of works

Operetta (Hans Höghet), incidental music (Fritjof and Ingeborg etc.), orchestral music (symphony, piano concerto, overtures, suites), vocal works with orchestra (cantatas and songs), chamber music (violin sonata etc.) piano music (sonatas etc.), solo songs with piano (Säf, säf susa and När det lider mot jul, etc.), choral works (Bohuslän, I natten, etc.).


Works by Ruben Liljefors

This is not a complete list of works. The following works are those that have been inventoried so far.

Number of works: 11