Hallström was the only prominent opera composer in Sweden during the 19th century, also winning much popularity for his songs. Den Bergtagna was produced in 1874 and was performed 84 times over the next thirty-five years, becoming Sweden's national opera. The heroine of the title, rebelling against a planned marriage, falls victim to a stranger who is revealed to be the Mountain King. Hallström's music contains strong French influence while his gift for writing in folk style and his colorful orchestration make for a striking dramatic and musical language (which contains moments of reminiscence of Wagner and Verdi)
