The only work of his I know well is the Sånger vid havet, in both the orchestral and piano versions, and it's remained a favourite. However, a brief visit to the Nordic shelves has revealed a disc I'd totally forgotten, with the Sinfonia Breve (1929-31) and the Sinfonia Seria (1963) included. I'm spinning it now: initial impressions of the earlier work suggest a craftsman at work, and a sonic landscape which owes something both to Bartok and Hindemith, though a slightly morose, even neurotic temperament. Definitely worth hearing: I'll get back to you later on the other work: but on the strength of this, I'd say go for it.

Thank you, Ron Dough. Nystroem must have been impressed by Shakespeare, as one of his symphonies is entitled "Shakespeariana" (this, on top of the incidental music you mentioned). Do you know the symphonies of Hugo Alfven? He is another composer I am on the brink of looking into, knowing only the famous "Swedish Rhapsody", but wondering if the symphonies are worth getting.

I'm very glad that this thread was started; having spotted a copy of the Sinfonia del Mare and Sinfonia Concertante on the web for a massive £1.98, I threw caution to the winds and ordered it: it arrived this morning and I've given it a spin. Even at first hearing, I'm struck by the conviction behind the music: it's very much early mid C20th music, so the language is far from advanced, but it has weight, and moments of extraordinary beauty, especially the sung second movement of the S del Mare.

 Lddf, if you haven't already snapped up that complete set, I'd do so now: If you find you don't want to keep it, just send me a PM!