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 (51–60)
Piano Concerto in A minorEdvard Grieg
A masterpiece that expresses Nordic nature and national character through music has been born.
Composed by Norway’s celebrated composer Edvard Grieg at the age of 25, this work strongly reflects the characteristics of Romantic music.
It consists of a first movement that begins with powerful chords, a second movement of poetic beauty, and a brilliant third movement influenced by folk songs, featuring melodies evocative of the rugged nature of the fjords.
Premiered in Copenhagen on April 3, 1868, it has remained beloved around the world ever since.
It is a highly recommended piece for those who wish to feel the grandeur of nature and the spirit of a people.
Lyric Pieces, Book I, Op. 12, No. 4: ‘Elves’ Dance’Edvard Grieg
Edvard Grieg, who loved Norway and drew inspiration from his homeland’s folk music, created numerous works.
“Elf Dance,” included in the first book of Lyric Pieces, is characterized by a lively rhythm and melody that, as its title suggests, evoke fairies dancing.
With the piano’s uniquely delicate timbre and expressive performance, this piece conjures a distinctly Nordic landscape and is cherished by a wide range of people—from piano learners to professional performers.
In autumnEdvard Grieg
The opening begins solemnly and gravely, as if portraying the way trees turn to autumn colors and their leaves fall.
Deep bass resonates throughout the piece, evoking that indescribable loneliness of autumn.
The delicate rhythms seem to depict leaves twirling in the wind and the nimble movements of squirrels.
Grandmother’s MinuetEdvard Grieg
Because the title mentions a grandmother, one might easily imagine a relaxed musical character; contrary to that expectation, however, the music is played very lightly, with brisk, bouncing notes.
From this, one can picture a plump and endearing grandmother.
Grieg’s Masterpieces and Popular Works: Pieces That Evoke the Nature of Norway (61–70)
Andante con moto for Piano TrioEdvard Grieg
Known as one of Grieg’s unfinished works, this piece is a beautiful trio for violin, cello, and piano.
Composed in 1878, it was not published until a century later, in 1978.
A single powerful theme unfolds dramatically, leading to a grand climax involving all three instruments.
It features Grieg’s characteristic warm melodies that evoke the Norwegian landscape, along with deeply expressive emotion.
Highly recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts but also for anyone who wants to drift into the scenery of the Nordic world.
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: I. MorningEdvard Grieg
On hearing the introductory melody, most people probably feel, “Ah, morning has come.” It is often used as background music for morning-related scenes on television programs, and even without knowing the details of the piece, many Japanese listeners can’t help but picture a fresh, invigorating morning.
This piece, Morning, is one movement from the Peer Gynt Suite composed by the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg.
Its beautiful melody, perfect for the morning, puts performers and listeners alike in a pleasant mood.
By learning about the story of the play that inspired the piece and the intentions the composer imbued in it, you can shape a performance with greater depth.
Lyric Pieces, Book VIII, Op. 65, No. 6: “Wedding Day at Troldhaugen”Edvard Grieg
Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, included in the eighth book of Lyric Pieces—a collection of piano works that Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg wrote over more than 30 years.
Troldhaugen is the name of the place where Grieg and his wife Nina lived, and this piece is dedicated to Nina.
The various themes in the piece differ completely in both tempo and character, making it ideal for developing expressive skills.
If you imagine specific scenes in your own way as you play, you’ll be able to perform with greater emotional richness.
