Softly the Summer was begun in 1954, and completed in August, 1957 in New York City. It was originally published in 1963 by General Music Publishing Company, New York, NY, and is currently available from Boston Music Company, Hopedale, MA. Operatic soprano Annaliese Rothenberger premiered this song in 1962 with Arpad Sandor accompanying. She sang this song frequently in concert and recital, and the song is strongly associated with her.
--Esther Jane Hardenbergh
