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Alfv茅n's Midsummer Vigil

Sara Mohr-Pietsch explores the musical landscape of Alfv茅n's joyous summer all-nighter, from midsummer tunes to fellow Swedish musical exports, plus the shadowy world of espionage.

Sara Mohr-Pietsch explores the musical landscape of Alfv茅n'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: 鈥淎sk 91福利社 Sounds to play Music Map.鈥

Release date:

1 hour, 29 minutes

On radio

Sun 21 Jun 2026 13:30

Broadcast

  • Sun 21 Jun 2026 13:30