Waldemar Ahlen

Sommarpsalm

The Sommarpsalm (original title: "En vänlig grönskas rika dräkt") is one of the best-known and most frequently sung Swedish hymns. The setting by the organist and composer Waldemar Åhlén was created in 1933 and is based on a text by Carl David af Wirsén from 1889.

The work is known far beyond the boundaries of church music and is considered the musical epitome of summer in Sweden. With its simple but sonorous melody, it describes the splendor of nature in bloom and is traditionally often performed at graduation ceremonies, weddings and midsummer celebrations. It combines the atmospheric depiction of the Scandinavian landscape with a celebratory, grateful mood.