In November 1907, the University Principal requested Nielsen to compose the music for the annual University commemoration. Niels Møller's text, which was already finished at that time, was discussed by Nielsen and the cantata committee. The compositional work took place in July and August 1908, well in advance of the first performance on 29 October 1908. Parts of the text was criticized after the premiere and was finally revised in 1909. See more about this work at The Royal Library