Pettersson, Gustaf Allan (1911–1980)

Swedish composer. He is best known for the 16 symphonies he wrote 1950–80, which were influenced by Mahler.

He was born at Stockholm and studied at Stockholm Academy. After playing viola in a local orchestra 1940–51 he studied with Arthur Honegger and René Leibowitz in Paris. In the 1960s he was crippled by rheumatoid arthritis, but was able to continue composing.

Works Orchestral three concertos for string orchestra (1949–57), violin concerto (1977); Vox humana, 18 songs for vocal soloists, chorus, and strings (texts by American Indians, 1974).

Chamber seven sonatas for two violins (1952).