In Memoriam: Celebrating the Legacy of Music Critic Martin Nyström

Renowned music critic and Dagens Nyheter contributor, Martin Nyström, passed away on Friday due to a short illness, leaving a profound impact on the music and cultural landscape of Sweden. Björn Wiman, DNs cultural manager, described Nyström’s generosity and imagination as a critic as unique, noting that he always remained enchanted by music and stage performances throughout his career. Since entering the field in 1993, Nyström diligently covered both the Swedish and international opera and classical music scene for Dagens Nyheter, continuing to showcase his deep knowledge and passion for over three decades. His journey began at Expressen between 1980 and 1993, where he carved out a significant presence as a music critic. In a tribute to Nyström, Wiman remarked, "Martin was a great popular educator. His knowledge was almost oceanic, whether it was about Wagner, Evert Taube, Håkan Hellström, or modern dance music." Born in 1955, Nyström's rich life experiences fueled his passion for music from an early age. He reminisced about his time at sea as a mess boy on the MS Canada, where dolphins greeted the ship near Rio de Janeiro. He later pursued studies in musicology, literature, and philosophy at the University of Gothenburg, eventually teaching music history there from 1976 to 1993. In addition to his critical writing, Nyström founded the independent opera group Utomjordiska teatern in 1986, which later evolved into the Utomjordiska Barockbolaget. His literary contributions include co-authoring a biography of jazz composer Georg Riedel in 2020, further enriching his diverse portfolio. In recent years, Nyström dedicated his efforts to exploring and celebrating the works of Evert Taube. His book, "The Art of Seeing Far: New Perspectives on Evert Taube," published in 2019, reflects his commitment to keeping the legacy of the Taube couple alive. He played a pivotal role as one of the initiators of the foundation Taubes Värld, established in 2020 to honor their memory. Those who had the privilege of witnessing Nyström at the DN concerts remember him shining brightly in front of thousands, captivating audiences with discussions on the music and artistry he deeply loved. Wiman recounted, "I remember the conversations we had on stage in connection with the DN concert every summer. There he was in his element. In front of 30,000 spectators, he got to talk about things he knew and loved, then he shone." Martin Nyström leaves behind a legacy of rich cultural contributions and is deeply missed by his colleagues, readers, and all who appreciated his insightful and passionate work. He was 71 years old at the time of his passing and resided in KössöKöpstadsö in the Gothenburg archipelago. His writings continue to resonate, providing a lasting testament to his influence on the world of music criticism. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2