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Roman (1688-1745) was a Swedish composer and violinist who played a significant role in the development of Swedish classical music. He was born Johan Helmich Roman on October 26, 1688, in Stockholm, Sweden, to a family of musicians. His father, Johan Roman, was a court musician, and his mother, Margareta Elisabeth Roman, was a singer. Roman showed an early interest in music and began his musical education at a young age. He received his first violin lessons from his father and later studied with the renowned Italian violinist Arcangelo Corelli in Rome. Roman also studied composition with the German composer Johann Joachim Quantz. In 1711, Roman returned to Sweden and was appointed court musician to King Charles XII. He held this position for the rest of his life and was responsible for organizing the court music and composing music for royal occasions. Roman also served as the director of the Royal Swedish Opera from 1727 to 1734. Roman's music was heavily influenced by the Italian Baroque style, which he had studied during his time in Rome. He was also influenced by the French and German styles, which he encountered during his travels throughout Europe. Roman's music is characterized by its elegance, clarity, and emotional depth. One of Roman's most significant contributions to Swedish music was his use of Swedish folk music in his compositions. He was one of the first composers to incorporate Swedish folk melodies into his music, and his use of these melodies helped to establish a distinct Swedish musical identity. Roman's most famous work is his Drottningholm Music, a collection of orchestral suites that he composed for the court at Drottningholm Palace. The suites were composed between 1740 and 1744 and were intended to be performed during the court's summer festivities. The Drottningholm Music is considered to be one of the finest examples of Swedish Baroque music and is still performed today. Another notable work by Roman is his 12 Flute Sonatas, which he composed in 1727. The sonatas are written in the Italian style and are considered to be some of the finest examples of Baroque flute music. Roman's sonatas were highly influential and were widely performed throughout Europe. In addition to his instrumental music, Roman also composed vocal music, including operas, cantatas, and oratorios. His most famous vocal work is his opera, "The Shepherdess and the King," which was first performed in 1734. The opera is based on a Swedish folk tale and features a blend of Italian and French musical styles. Roman's contributions to Swedish music were significant, and he is considered to be one of the most important composers in Swedish music history. His use of Swedish folk music helped to establish a distinct Swedish musical identity, and his compositions were highly influential throughout Europe. Roman died on November 20, 1745, in Stockholm, Sweden, at the age of 57. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and celebrated today.

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