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 (1–10)
Lyric Pieces “Nocturne,” Op. 54 No. 4Edvard Grieg
A solo piano piece included in Grieg’s Lyric Pieces, Book V.
Published in 1891, this work overflows with beauty that evokes Norway’s richly natural landscapes.
It depicts the stillness of night and a dreamlike atmosphere, characterized by a gentle, meditative melody.
The left hand’s eighth-note accompaniment provides the overall momentum, while the right-hand melody sings delicately.
In the middle section, brilliant passages reminiscent of birdsong appear, adding sparkle to the piece.
Highly recommended for those who wish to express nocturnal scenes and emotions through music.
Why not listen while imagining Norway’s forests and lakes?
Lyric Pieces: Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, Op. 65 No. 6Edvard Grieg
Wedding Day at Troldhaugen is included in Lyric Pieces, Book VIII.
Its rhythmical melody, which makes you want to dance, is just like a wedding venue.
The gentle, quiet character of the middle section evokes scenes brimming with happiness during the ceremony.
String Quartet in G minor, Op. 27Edvard Grieg
It begins with a very powerful passage, followed by increasingly intense melodies.
In the middle section it shows a gentler side, yet the cello’s low register, rendered with trills, imparts a subtle sense of unease.
In the latter half, the music turns open and supple in character.
It is one of the most original and daring string quartets, leaving a profound influence on later generations.
Lyric Pieces “To Spring,” Op. 43 No. 6Edvard Grieg
A masterpiece composed by Grieg in 1884.
Included in Lyric Pieces, Book III, this work was written while Grieg was traveling in Denmark and feeling homesick, praising the beauty of his homeland.
The gentle piano timbre creates a lyrical piece that evokes the breath of spring and majestic nature.
Grieg’s music is rooted in Norwegian folk traditions and is highly regarded for its lyrical and refined sensibility.
This work was also featured on NHK’s “Famous Music Album,” presented alongside stunning scenes of Norway.
A recommended piece for anyone who wants to be captivated by the beauty of nature.
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16Edvard Grieg
This piece, one of Grieg’s signature works, is among the most popular piano concertos.
Many of you have probably heard its opening melody at least once.
The first movement unfolds a powerful theme, the second movement highlights lyrical beauty, and the finale concludes the work with bright, dazzling melodies, brimming with Nordic charm.
Composed in 1868 when Grieg was 25, this work splendidly captures Norway’s nature and culture.
Lyrical Pieces “Summer Evening,” Op. 71 No. 2Edvard Grieg
A piece that beautifully portrays a summer evening.
From the very beginning, it depicts the sun setting and the moon gradually appearing.
The pianistic technique of descending scales feels like shimmering moonlight.
In the latter half, this effect is presented even more grandly, evoking the image of a full-moon night.
Ballad in variation form on a Norwegian folk song, Op. 24Edvard Grieg
A piano piece composed between 1875, when Peer Gynt was completed, and the following year, 1876.
The entire piece is performed with chordal progressions.
Its character evokes an indescribable nostalgia, conveying a certain bittersweet emotion.