Stenhammar came from an artistic family and was largely a self-taught musician. He did, however, hold several positions of musical authority, including one as artistic director of the Stockholm Philharmonic Society and also at the Göteborgs Orkesterförening, an organization in which Stenhammer was instrumental in making the musical rival to Stockholm. His music fits into three periods. The first is romantic in style and influenced by Brahms and Liszt, influenced by his Swedish roots. In the second period Stenhammer concentrated on developing stylistically, emphasizing motivic work and deep expression. The third period is somewhat of a synthesis of the first two, and the works display fine skill in orchestration and an impressionistic feel, while still containing interpretations of Swedish folk music. ~ Lynn Vought, Rovi