Jón Laxdal (13 October 1865 – 7 July 1928 [1] [2]) was an Icelandic composer. The book, New Music in Iceland, by the Swedish music historian, Göran Bergendahl (1938 – ?), in which it portrays [3] the pioneering introduction of Icelandic music history, depicts Jón Laxdal as a minor composing figure on page 26 in contrast to Magnús Einarsson (1848 – 1934). He was noticeable as the co-founder of the Reykjavík Orchestra (Hljómsveit Reykjavíkur) with Sigfús Einarsson. [4] Laxdal's well-known works include two song cycles, Helga in fagra and Gunnar at Hlíðarendi. [5]
He is not to be confused with the Icelandic-Swiss actor, Jón Laxdal (1933 – 2005).
The fourth and last song of the 2008 work, Four Songs, by Snorri Sigfús Birgisson, is a variation of a song composed by Laxdal. [6]
The first three movements are based on Icelandic folk songs but the last movement is a variation on a work composed by Jón Laxdal (1865-1928).