Dag Wirèn

Marcia from Serenade Op. 11

Dag Wirén (1905-1986) studied organ and composition at the College of Music in Stockholm 1926-1931, and lived in Paris 1931-1934, where he continued his studies in composition and instrumentation. His list of works comprises mainly instrumental music, such as five symphonies, five string quartets, several overtures and quite a lot of music for film and theatre.

Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 11, was premiered by Stockholm Chamber Orchestra under Tobias Wilhemi, in October 1937, and was an immediate success. The Serenade has four movements, and the finishing Marcia has gained great popularity, especially after it was theme tune for the television series Monitor, which was aired 1958-1965.