Opera on the Move in the Nordic Countries during the Long 19th ...

Music at the Royal Swedish <strong>Opera</strong> in Stockholm…
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ably did not play at the summer theatres, which featured the company that
performed at Södra Teater [The Southern Theatre] 26 . Wind bands probably
included some of its members who were not engaged in military duties.
The performance of “serious” classical music was put on hold during
the summer, and did not resume until the Royal Swedish <strong>Opera</strong> reopened
for the autumn season. This confirms its position as a musical institution
and its significance for the concert life of Stockholm. Furthermore, many
aristocrats, who made up much of the audience, left the city during the
summer for their country estates. However, when society and audiences
began to change during the middle of the nineteenth century, incorporating
a wider variety of people from different social classes, the effect on musical
activity weakened.
Even if the Royal Swedish <strong>Opera</strong> was the most influential concert venue,
concerts were not its top priority. Other venues were therefore sought
for public concerts. The larger churches offered one solution, primarily for
sacred music. Other types of public assembly halls were also used, such
as the Stock Market building and the great hall in the House of Nobility. 27
Complementing these more traditional assembly halls new types of public
venues became available in accordance with developments in the hotel and
restaurant business. Due to the changes in legislation regarding the right to
pursue business and the abolishment of the guild system, there was a massive
increase in the numbers of hotels, restaurants and cafés to meet public
demand. It was not only in the summer that cafés and restaurants offered
musical entertainment: some of these businesses became more permanent
venues giving music performances every night, and later also other types
of entertainment. Most of the music was different in character from that
played at classical concerts: it was light entertainment, dance and popular
music. However, some of these establishments also offered concerts of
classical music.
26 This theatre was situated in the Södermalm district of Stockholm, a little outside the
central area with a population mainly comprising lower-class citizens. It had its own
musicians, but probably not more than a string quartet and a pianist – thus limiting
the potential to perform more extensive works. The repertoire largely comprised
comedies and operettas.
27 Börshuset and Riddarhussalen in Stockholm.