I denna ljuva sommartid/In this sweet summertime

I denna ljuva sommartid (In this sweet summertime) is a well-known traditional summer psalm in Sweden. The text is of German origin, written in 1653 by Paul Gerhardt (1607–76) (‘Geh aus, mein Herz, und suche Freud’). The Swedish version is sung with different melodies, including one that is part of the Swedish Hymnal Songbook and sung in schools before the summer holidays. In this arrangement, commissioned by Kvindelige Studenters Sangforening, Oslo, Norway, and Marit Tøndel Bodsberg Weyde (conductor), Arnesen uses a traditional melody from Malung in Sweden and three of the eight verses of the psalm in Swedish and English, which describe summer as a gift from God. Beautiful melodic verses alternate with rhythmical, wordless sections which in turn evoke the warmth and joys of summertime. An approachable but impressive choral work which is sure to be an audience’s favourite.