Published in print: 20 January 2001, Published online: 2001; updated, 31 January 2014
(b Hamburg, March 19, 1809; d Helsinki, Jan 8, 1891). Finnish composer of German birth. He studied the violin under Spohr and composition under Hauptmann at Kassel. From 1828 to 1834 he was violinist in the court orchestra in Stockholm, but in 1835 he settled in Helsinki as lecturer in music at the university, where he received an honorary doctorate in 1877.Pacius became a central figure in Finland’s musical life. He organized symphony concerts and conducted choirs, notably the Akademiska Sångföreningen.
Studies in music and other writings 