Grieg’s Masterpieces and Popular Works: Pieces That Evoke the Nature of Norway
Edvard Grieg, who drew inspiration from Norwegian folk music, gained recognition as a composer of the national romantic school.
He left behind numerous masterpieces, and his name has continued to resonate long after his death.
Many of Grieg’s works are beautiful pieces that evoke Norway’s rich natural landscapes.
In this article, we introduce some of Grieg’s famous and popular works.
From piano pieces and songs to orchestral and wind band music, his output spans many genres.
Whether you’re familiar with classical music or not, we encourage you to experience his music at least once!
- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- [Morning Songs] Masterpieces themed around morning. Popular songs.
- Elgar’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
- Highlighting the masterpieces and popular works of Mikhail Glinka, the pioneering composer of Russian music
- Masterpieces that sing of the stars. Star songs that resonate in the heart, best heard beneath the night sky.
- A masterpiece by Richard Wagner. Popular classical music.
- [For Advanced Players] A Curated Selection of Classical Masterpieces to Tackle at Piano Recitals
- Handel’s Masterpieces | A Comprehensive Introduction to His Popular Works
- Mendelssohn’s Masterpieces | Popular Classical Music
- Gabriel Fauré | Introduction to His Famous and Representative Works
- Song of the Wind: A masterpiece themed around the wind. Popular songs [2026]
- Masterpieces by Gustav Mahler. Popular classical music.
- Mussorgsky’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
Grieg’s Masterpieces and Popular Works: Pieces That Evoke the Nature of Norway (71–80)
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: ‘The Death of Åse’Edvard Grieg
Grieg was a Norwegian musician.
In 1874, at the request of Henrik Ibsen, a Norwegian playwright, Grieg composed incidental music for the play Peer Gynt.
The second piece, Aase’s Death, is a lament depicting Peer watching over the death of his grandmother, Aase.
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: In the Hall of the Mountain KingEdvard Grieg
The suite Peer Gynt by the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg is part of the incidental music written for a play by the Norwegian playwright Ibsen.
In it, In the Hall of the Mountain King depicts a scene where the protagonist, Peer Gynt, is being cornered by trolls.
To heighten tension and eeriness, the piece is characterized by a structure in which the tempo and volume gradually increase.
Starting quietly and accelerating toward the climax, it brilliantly conveys a sense of impending danger.
You can also sense the influence of Norwegian folk music, revealing Grieg’s aspect as a “nationalist” composer.
It’s a perfect piece for creating a Halloween atmosphere—highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a spooky, fantastical world.
In the Hall of the Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46Edvard Grieg
Part of the incidental music written by Edvard Grieg, Peer Gynt, contains In the Hall of the Mountain King, packed with Nordic folktale elements.
It evokes the eeriness of the troll world, as if you were listening to a story.
Depicting the adventurer Peer Gynt being pursued by trolls, the gradually quickening tempo and mounting intensity draw listeners in.
Premiered in 1875, it remains one of the most popular concert programs today.
Why not enjoy it on Halloween night, as if setting off on a journey to a mysterious world?
Åse’s Death from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1Edvard Grieg
Incidental music composed for Henrik Ibsen’s play Peer Gynt.
The play comically depicts the tumultuous life of its protagonist, Peer Gynt—a dreamer and braggart—who travels the world and finally returns home in old age.
When Peer, having once left town, comes back to his homeland, his mother Åse is on the brink of death.
This piece is performed in the scene where Åse listens to Peer’s fanciful tales and passes away with a smile.
It is a work that conveys Peer’s profound grief at the loss of his beloved mother.
I love you.Edvard Grieg
A song dedicated by the Romantic composer Edvard Grieg to his fiancée when he was 21.
It was included as the third piece in Grieg’s Op.
5, Four Songs of the Heart.
Based on a poem by Andersen, it conveys deep feelings for a beloved.
Its simple yet passionate melody blends beautifully with lyrics that vow eternal love.
It is popular as a piece for weddings and anniversaries, and is recommended for listening with someone special.
There is also an arrangement for violin and piano, and its appeal lies in the fact that it can be enjoyed in a variety of instrumental settings.
Lyric Pieces, Book X, Op. 71 No. 2: Summer EveningEdvard Grieg
Just from the title “Summer Evening,” this piece perfectly matches the theme of this article, doesn’t it? Known also for works like “Morning” from the Peer Gynt Suite, the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg wrote a collection of 66 piano pieces titled Lyric Pieces.
“Summer Evening,” the second piece of Op.
71 in Book 10, is a gem of lyrical beauty rendered with a delicate, subtle touch, and it even carries that faintly cool, distinctly Nordic quality.
It seems like an ideal piano piece to listen to during a hot summer.
While it may not be widely known, it’s sometimes selected for compilations of classical music recommended for summer.
It’s a hidden masterpiece for piano that I highly recommend!
In conclusion
We’ve introduced some of Grieg’s masterpieces and popular pieces.
Just by listening, you can almost feel Norway’s rich natural scenery in every one of them.
There are many other beautiful works as well—especially the Lyric Pieces, which total 66 pieces—so if you’re interested, be sure to give them a listen!