Alfvén's Midsummer Vigil

Available for 28 days

Sara Mohr-Pietsch explores the musical landscape of Alfvén's joyous summer all-nighter the Midsummer Vigil, aka the Swedish Rhapsody. Inspired by the longest day of the year, Sara explores midsummer music from Felix Mendelssohn to Ella Fitzgerald, as well as other seasonal treats from Jean Sibelius and William Grant Still. However, away from the glow of the midnight sun lies an intriguing link to the shadowy world of espionage. Sara uncovers connections between the Midsummer Vigil and music used to send coded messages in times of war. We also venture into music from fellow Swedish composers Lina Sandell and Johan Helmich Roman, and we hear from perhaps Sweden's greatest musical export, ABBA. To listen on most smart speakers, just say: “Ask BBC Sounds to play Music Map.”