Fredmans epistlar

songs by Bellman

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June 26, 2026

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Fredmans epistlar is a collection of 82 songs by the 18th-century Swedish poet-musician Carl Michael Bellman. Published in 1790, these songs are known for their unique blend of humor, stylized realism, and delicate language and rhythm.12

Bellman borrowed music for his songs, often adapting existing tunes, and performed them with his own accompaniment on the zither. The title Fredmans epistlar alludes to parodies of the Pauline Epistles, with the character Fredman modeled after a clockmaker who fell into poverty. The songs are celebrated for their vivid characterizations of middle-class Stockholmers and their deep appreciation for nature, making them a unique contribution to Swedish poetry. This collection was followed by Fredmans sånger in 1791.1

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Carl Michael Bellman
…write a cycle of songs, Fredmans epistlar, the title alluding to the Pauline Epistles, which were parodied in the early songs. Fredman was modelled after a respected clockmaker who took to drinking and died in poverty. Following the mocking, parodic style of Jean-Joseph Vadé and other French writers, Bellman began…
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…write a cycle of songs, Fredmans epistlar, the title alluding to the Pauline Epistles, which were parodied in the early songs. Fredman was modelled after a respected clockmaker who took to drinking and died in poverty. Following the mocking, parodic style of Jean-Joseph Vadé and other French writers, Bellman began…
Read More