Ever heard of a composer who moonlighted as an orthopedic surgeon? Here we are at the Franz Berwald Plaque. It commemorates a fascinating figure. Franz Berwald lived in this house from 1835 to 1841. He wasn’t just composing music here. He was also running an orthopedic institute.
Franz Berwald was a Swedish composer and violinist. He lived from 1796 to 1868. He is now considered the founder of musical Romanticism in Sweden. But during his life, he struggled to gain recognition. Born into a musical family, Berwald faced constant rejection. His bold harmonies were not well received in Sweden.
Driven by disappointment, Berwald moved to Berlin in 1829. He dedicated himself to orthopedic treatments. He even offered these treatments to the poor for free. In 1835, he founded his own orthopedic institute right here. Can you imagine Berwald, the composer, setting bones?
His venture into orthopedics proved surprisingly successful. Berwald’s talent extended beyond music. Some orthopedic devices he invented were still in use decades after his death.
Financially stable, Berwald returned to composing. In 1841, he moved to Vienna. There, he married Mathilde Scherer. He began writing his most important works. These included four symphonies and several symphonic poems.
Returning to Stockholm in 1842, Berwald faced more rejection. His arrogance didn’t help matters. His Symphony sérieuse was performed poorly. It was conducted by his cousin. From 1846 to 1849, he traveled through Europe again. He was named an honorary member of the Salzburg Mozarteum. But success in Paris eluded him.
Back in Sweden, Berwald was passed over for important positions. He didn’t become conductor of the Royal Opera. He also wasn’t appointed music director at Uppsala University. Instead, from 1850, he managed a glass factory. Later, he managed a sawmill. These were in Ångermanland.
Recognition finally came in 1864. Berwald became a member of the Royal Music Academy. In 1867, he became a professor of composition. This was after much resistance. Sadly, he died of pneumonia less than a year later.
Berwald’s music gained appreciation posthumously. Today, he is celebrated as a unique voice. His compositions feature original instrumentation. His musical themes are innovative. His formal structures are remarkable. He truly stands out within the Swedish music tradition.
So, as you stand before this plaque, remember Franz Berwald. He was a composer, a violinist, and an orthopedic surgeon. He was a man of diverse talents. He persevered despite facing rejection. His music continues to inspire.