Swedish Rhapsody No. 1 is the subtitle of, a symphonic rhapsody by the Swedish composer Hugo Alfvén (1872–1960). Although it is only the first of three similarly named works, it is often simply called "the Swedish Rhapsody". The Rhapsody was written in 1903. It is the best-known piece by Alfvén, and also one of the best-known pieces of music in Sweden. The score, published around 1906, describes it as: "[A] fantasy on popular Swedish folk melodies depicting the moods evoked by an old-time Swedish Midsummer wake; the dancing and games around the May-pole through the magic night of Midsummer Eve. [One theme] is the composer's own invention, while other themes are borrowed from the folk-music of Sweden and elaborated by the composer." It is scored for an orchestra consisting of three flutes (third doubling on piccolo), three oboes (third doubling on cor anglais), two clarinets in A (second doubling on E-flat clarinet), bass clarinet in A, three bassoons, four horns in F, two trumpets in D, three trombones (two tenor, one bass), one tuba, timpani, cymbals, triangle, crotales, two harps, and strings. The Rhapsody was adapted as a ballet, La Nuit de St Jean, choreographed by Jean Börlin. It was first performed by Ballets Suedois in Paris in October 1920.

In popular culture

The main theme of "Swedish Rhapsody No. 1" has been used several times in pop culture: