Wikmanson was born in Stockholm and, except for 18 months spent in Copenhagen studying mathematics and instrument making, lived his entire life in the Swedish capital.
In 1788, he was made a member of the Swedish Royal Academy and later was put in charge of its music program.
As a composer, Wikmanson is remembered for his five string quartets, all published after his early death from tuberculosis in 1800.
His close friend, Gustav Silverstolpe, published what he felt were the three best at his own expense, titling them Opus 1.
Critics consider it the equal of any of Haydn's Op.64 quartets and, in some ways, in advance of them, particularly in its excellent use of the viola and cello.
[1] Wikmanson's music has been discussed and catalogued by musicologist Carl Gabriel Stellan Mörner[2] List of Theoretical Works Choral-Bok Clavérschola Afhandling om Manererne uti Musiquen (Translation of Giuseppe Tartini, Traité des agreements del la musique) List of Compositions (Informally designated SMW for Stellan Mörner Wikmanson)