Leifs, Jón

Twentieth century Icelandic composer Jón Leifs (1899-1968) helped to form a nationalist view among native composers by incorporating folk music and sounds echoing the natural elements of Iceland. He lived and worked in Germany for many years. For a time, the Nazis used his music to promote a Nordic ideal, but Leifs rebelled against such treatment, especially since his wife was of Jewish descent. He returned to Iceland in 1944, finding both musical triumph and personal sadness. Works include the seminal Saga Symphony, Elegy, Geysir, and the Icelandic Dances.