Week 9 - Zorn and Peterson-Berger's midsummer beauty
The Enchanting Swedish Summer With Zorn’s Midsummer Dance and Peterson-Berger’s Summer Melody
Good morning!
Welcome to the ninth edition of the Monday Morning Art Dispatch.
In this edition, we’ll explore the beautiful piece “Midsummer Dance” by the Swedish painter Anders Zorn. This lively painting portrays the happiness and celebrations of a Swedish midsummer, in a vibrant and joyous scene.
I’ve also selected Wilhelm Peterson-Berger's “Intåg i Sommarhagen,” from “Frösöblomster III, I sommarhagen” arranged for Orchestra, and performed by the Helsingborgs Symfoniorkester and conducted by Okko Kamu. This delightful orchestral composition, full of rich harmonies and moving tunes, complements the festive mood of Zorn's artwork and its spirited beauty.
The Painting
Midsummer Dance
Anders Zorn (1860-1920) was a Swedish artist renowned for his exceptional skills as a painter, etcher, and sculptor. He was one of the most prominent artists of his time and gained international recognition for his work. Born in Mora, Sweden, he showed an early interest in art, which led him to study at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm. He later traveled to Paris, where he studied under some of the leading artists of the time. Zorn's paintings often depicted scenes of everyday life, including landscapes, portraits, and genre paintings. He was particularly skilled at capturing the effects of light and shadow in his work, which gave his paintings a sense of depth and realism.
One of Zorn's most famous paintings is "Midsummer Dance," which he painted in 1897. This painting is a vibrant and lively depiction of a traditional Swedish midsummer celebration. It shows a group of people dancing in a circle in a rural outdoor setting, where the dancers are dressed in traditional Swedish folk costumes, and the scene is full of movement and joy. The painting captures the essence of the midsummer festival, an important event in Sweden, that occurs on the first Friday after the summer solstice, and is celebrated with dancing, singing, and feasting.
Zorn's ability to capture light and movement is particularly evident in “Midsummer Dance.” He uses loose, expressive brushstrokes to create a sense of dynamism and festivity. The figures in the painting are not highly detailed, but their gestures and the way they interact with each other convey a strong sense of life and energy. The background shows a lush, green landscape, highlighting the beauty of the Swedish countryside in summer. The scene is illuminated by the soft, golden light of a summer evening, adding a sense of warmth to the cheerful atmosphere. The way Zorn captures the play of light and shadow adds depth and realism to the painting, making us feel as if we are part of the celebration he’s capturing.
The painting is significant historically for multiple reasons, but I think it mainly served as a prime example of Zorn's mature style, which combines elements of Impressionism with his own unique approach to capturing light and movement. Zorn was influenced by the Impressionists during his time in Paris, but he adapted their techniques to suit his own vision and subject matter. The painting itself is also an important cultural document. It provides a glimpse into Swedish rural life and traditions at the turn of the 20th century. The midsummer festival depicted in the painting is a key part of Swedish cultural heritage, and Zorn's painting helps to preserve and celebrate this tradition. The choice to paint a scene from everyday life in Sweden served a contribution to the broader movement of national romanticism, which sought to celebrate and preserve national culture and identity through art.
“Midsummer Dance” also displays Zorn’s mastery of the human form and the ability to convey a sense of movement enveloped with emotion. The dancers in the painting are not static; they are caught in mid-motion, their bodies and clothing swirling with the rhythm of the dance. This dynamic quality is one of the hallmarks of Zorn's work and contributes to the painting's enduring appeal. His skill in capturing the effects of light and shadow is also evident in his other works, such as “Mrs. Walter Bacon,” a portrait of a society woman that captures the elegance and sophistication of the subject, and “A Toast in the Idun Society,” which shows a group of men toasting each other in a private club and is notable for its use of warm colors and the sense of camaraderie among the subjects.
In addition to his paintings, Zorn was also known for his etchings and engravings, which were highly regarded for their technical skill and artistic merit. He created several sculptures as well, including a bronze statue of Gustav Vasa.
“Midsummer Dance” is still regarded today as one of Zorn's masterpieces and an iconic image of Swedish culture. The painting is currently on display at the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Sweden.
The Music
Wilhelm Peterson-Berger (1867-1942) was a Swedish composer known for his romantic and nationalist music. One of his celebrated works is “Intåg i Sommarhagen” from “Frösöblomster III, I sommarhagen.” This piece, arranged for orchestra and performed by the Helsingborgs Symfoniorkester under the direction of conductor Okko Kamu, beautifully captures the essence of Swedish summer and rural life.
“Intåg i Sommarhagen,” which translates to “Entrance to the Summer Pasture,” is part of Peterson-Berger’s larger suite “Frösöblomster” (Flowers of Frösö). This suite is a collection of piano pieces inspired by the natural beauty of Frösön, an island in Lake Storsjön in Jämtland, Sweden. Peterson-Berger’s music is deeply rooted in Swedish folk traditions and landscapes, which makes it a perfect auditory companion to Zorn’s painting.
The orchestral arrangement of “Intåg i Sommarhagen” performed by the Helsingborgs Symfoniorkester is rich and evocative. The piece begins with a gentle, pastoral theme that evokes the tranquility and beauty of the Swedish countryside. The music gradually builds in intensity, incorporating lively dance rhythms and folk-inspired melodies. This progression mirrors the festive atmosphere depicted in Zorn’s painting, where the dancers move with vitality and joy.
Okko Kamu’s conducting brings out the nuances of Peterson-Berger’s composition, highlighting the interplay between different sections of the orchestra. The strings provide a lush, sweeping backdrop and the brass and percussion contribute to the celebratory feel, giving us a sense of excitement when listening to it, and adds to its grandeur.
Both the music and the painting celebrate Swedish traditions and the natural beauty of the countryside. The gentle melodic interludes of the piece set a serene tone, aligning with the lush greenery and peaceful setting of the outdoor dance in Zorn’s work.
The nationalistic elements in both the music and the painting underscore their cultural significance. Peterson-Berger’s incorporation of folk melodies and dance rhythms reflects a deep appreciation for Swedish musical traditions, just as Zorn’s depiction of a traditional midsummer celebration honors Swedish cultural heritage. Together, they offer a holistic portrayal of Swedish identity and the joys of summer festivities.
I couldn’t think of a more ideal musical accompaniment to Zorn’s “Midsummer Dance.” The music’s folk-inspired melodies add to the immersevness of the celebration depicted in the painting. I think there’s nothing better than experiencing two works of art that enrich each other.