Johan Helmich Roman, despite his German-sounding name, was born in Stockholm in 1694 and is known as "The Father of Swedish Music."
Composer's Artistic Vision
Johan Helmich Roman was a strong advocate for using the Swedish language in music, especially sacred music, believing it important for "ordinary" people to understand.
Composition History
In 1731, Johan Helmich Roman initiated the first public concerts in Stockholm, starting with a charity concert in the House of the Nobility.
Composer Biography
Johan Helmich Roman studied in London, where he was a violinist in the opera orchestra at The King's Theatre, led by George Frideric Handel, whose music greatly influenced him.
Composer Biography
Johan Helmich Roman was elected as one of the first members of the Royal Swedish Academy of Science due to his valuable contributions to the Swedish language.
Composition History
Johan Helmich Roman's "Then Svenska Massan" (The Swedish Mass) was not strictly a church work but was performed in secular settings, a practice introduced to Sweden by Roman from Paris.
Composer Biography
At the age of seven, Johan Helmich Roman was already performing violin at court, and later earned the epithet "the Swedish Virtuoso" as a violinist.
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