Frolic for a Swedish Summer (2007)

Thomas Åberg (b. 1952) — Frolic for a Swedish Summer (2007) for organ

Frolic for a Swedish Summer (2007) was written as a birthday present for Claes Holmgren, organist of Visby Cathedral. It is based on the traditional 18th century song “Ja, må han (hon) leva,” used as a birthday song in Sweden. The piece begins with several statements of the melody. This is followed by a section of unrelated, original material with a pulsating energy. The birthday melody then returns and is developed alongside the original material through to the end of the piece.

Thomas Åberg (b. 1952) was born in Stockholm, Sweden and works there as composer and concert organist. Most of his works are written for the organ and are often characterized by their rhythmic joy, simplicity, and humor. He has stated that “music must bring enjoyment, without abandoning reverence,” and as such his style often uses the most basic of musical materials to create a discourse that is both spiritual and visceral. Åberg’s music speaks with a distinctly Swedish voice and emotional aesthetic, and since the early 1980s his works have become an important part of the Scandinavian organ literature. His music has been performed by organists at festivals throughout Europe, Asia, and the USA. He also tours regularly worldwide as concert organist with his own works. In December 2012, Carson Cooman released a CD (Legends in the Garden) devoted to Åberg’s organ compositions and also has recorded more than 70 other Åberg works for YouTube.

Published by Svensk Musik (SMIC) (https://www.svenskmusik.org/en)