1897-1961

 Works

Symfoni nr 2 Op 10 (1924)

Stråkkvartett nr 3 Op 23 (1931)

Symfoni nr 5 Op 27 (1932)

Symfoni nr 7 Op 51 (1941)

Concertino för flöjt,damkör & liten orkester Op 52 (1941)

Stråkkvartett nr 6 Op 81b (1947)

Symfoni nr 12 Op 92 (1951)

Stråkkvartett nr 8 Op 93 (1952)

 John Fernström was both a prominent violinist and conductor in the philharmonic society in Lund. His compositions make up an impressive list in regard to both musical range and variety. Fernström wrote twelve symphonies and that makes him one of the most productive composers within Swedish modern classical music.

The interest Fernström took in the technical aspects of composing was e.g. channelled through the journal Vår tids tonalitetsbegrepp (The concept of tonality in our time). Fernströms span of talents included teaching and this came in handy when he decided to found Nordiska Ungdomsorkestern (The Nordic Youth Orchestra) and also to work there as a musical leader.

The music composed by John Fernström is characterised by its genuine, French influence in style. Fernström has also written music for the stage and he e.g. completed the instrumentation of Rangströms opera Gilgamesj. John Fernström wrote eight string quartets and three of them have been recorded by Naxos.