Something Swedish today. Not very long, but very fitting with this weekend: The summer Solstice was on Friday on the 21st, and Midsummer Day is tomorrow, on 24 June.
Hugo Alfvén: “Midsommarvaka”
Swedish Rhapsody No. 1, Op. 19
Iceland Symphony Orchestra
Petri Sakari
The Rhapsody, written in 1903, is the best-known piece by Hugo Alfvén, and also one of the best-known pieces of music in Sweden. The score, published around 1906, describes it thus:
A fantasy on popular Swedish folk melodies depicting the moods evoked by an old-time Swedish Midsummer wake; the dancing and games around the May-pole through the magic night of Midsummer Eve. One theme is the composer’s own invention, while other themes are borrowed from the folk-music of Sweden and elaborated by the composer.
Lovely melody to listen to!
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Isn’t it? We find it to be very cheerful and uplifting.
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