Claes Wilhelm Rendahl was born in Ölmstad, Småland on 4 April 1848 and died in Karlstad on 12 February 1926. He was a cathedral organist, teacher and composer. After studying at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Stockholm 1867–71 (and graduating with degrees in organ and music teaching) Rendahl worked as an organist, conductor and music teacher in Karlstad. He was considered to be one of the leading Swedish organists of his time in addition to being a somewhat successful composer. His contributions to Swedish church music are considered to have been significant. Elected as member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music in 1900.