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!
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Grieg’s Masterpieces and Popular Works: Pieces That Evoke the Nature of Norway (21–30)
nostalgiaEdvard Grieg
It has a very sentimental character.
In fact, Grieg is said to have composed this piece while staying in a foreign country, thinking of his homeland.
The overlapping chords in the right and left hands vividly express Grieg’s deep longing to return home as soon as possible.
Fairies’ DanceEdvard Grieg
‘Dance of the Elves’ is included in the first volume of Lyric Pieces.
‘Dance of the Elves’ is in a minor key and is performed with repeated rhythms and melodies.
As the title suggests, its bouncy piano touch makes both the performer and the listener feel lighthearted and cheerful.
Grieg’s Masterpieces and Popular Works: Pieces That Evoke the Nature of Norway (31–40)
By your sideEdvard Grieg
True to its title “By Your Side,” this piece overflows with love from start to finish.
The piano’s incredibly soft, warm tone seems to portray two people nestled close together.
The interweaving lines of the right and left hands are played as if entwined, stirring the feelings of someone in love.
Two Sad Melodies, Op. 34Edvard Grieg
The right hand plays a simple melody, but the chord progression in the left hand conveys a somewhat wistful, beautiful resonance that reaches the heart.
The first half expresses music of a sorrowful event caused by something, while the latter half, played in slightly higher tones, evokes a sadness akin to emptiness.
The quiet of the forestEdvard Grieg
The high-pitched chord at the beginning feels as if it represents sunlight.
The gentle melody that follows immediately afterward seems to depict light filtering through the forest trees.
It shifts to a minor key for a brief moment, evoking a sudden shower.
After that, the initial sunlight is recapitulated.
wind spiritEdvard Grieg
The very fine, lightly bouncing rhythm evokes an image of wind sprites freely flitting here and there.
The chromatic passages seem to depict the shimmering trails left in their wake.
In the ending, the decrescendo suggests the wind sprites fading away from the present scene.
Holberg Suite (From Holberg’s Time), Op. 40: No. 1 “Prelude”Edvard Grieg
Edvard Grieg’s Holberg Suite, composed in 1884.
Also known by the title “From Holberg’s Time,” this collection of pieces follows the style of a Baroque suite, and even in the first movement, “Prelude,” one can sense a noble atmosphere reminiscent of Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier.
To play the rapid notes accurately, finger awareness and technical exercises are essential.
Practice carefully by isolating sections, and present a beautifully even, well-articulated performance at the recital!
