"I strive for a simple, clear, melodic style, preferably connected to a folk tone and with a firm, rhythmic profile. I want the harmonica uncomplicated.
The older you get, the more clearly you understand the meaning of the melody.” The words are Erland von Koch's own and succinctly summarize his work as a composer.
Together with Lars-Erik Larsson, Gunnar de Frumerie and Dag Wirén, Erland von Koch belonged to "the thirties generation". They all debuted in the 1930s after studying in Germany and France and shared aesthetic ideals.
With his six symphonies, twelve solo concertos, 18 Monologues for various solo instruments, ballets, children's opera Peter Tailless, film music, solo songs, choral music etc., Erland von Koch also belonged to the most versatile. As a common thread runs through his entire creation, the feeling for melody, the strong rhythmic profile and the Swedish folk tone.
Erland von Koch was active throughout his life. As late as 2004, the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra premiered his last major orchestral work, Rondinato.
Erland von Koch received a wide range of awards, including: the Christ Johnson Prize in 1958, the Vasa Order (RVO) in 1967, Litteris et artibus in 1979, the Atterberg Prize in 1979 and the Alfvén Prize in 1981. He was awarded the Royal The Musical Academy's medal for the promotion of the musical arts in 2000.
