Edvard Grieg Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Lyric Pieces, Book I, Op. 12, No. 4: ‘Elves’ Dance’Edvard Grieg51rank/position

PTNA 2015 Competition National Finals / Grade B, Silver Prize, Midori Mizutani

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.

Lyric Pieces No.10-2 “Summer Evening”Edvard Grieg52rank/position

Grieg Lyrical Pieces, Book 10: Summer Evening (piano: Walter Gieseking)

Edvard Grieg’s masterpiece Lyric Pieces, Book 10 No.

2 “Evening in Summer.” As the title suggests, it’s a work shaped by a delicate tone that evokes a summer evening, yet interestingly, some phrases feature melodies reminiscent of jazz.

This modern flavor likely stems from the nationalist school rooted in Norwegian folk music, which formed Grieg’s musical foundation.

It’s a highly emotional piece, so I hope you’ll enjoy it—perhaps with your graduation album in hand.

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Lyric Pieces, Book I, Op. 12: No. 1 “Arietta”Edvard Grieg53rank/position

Grieg Lyric Pieces “Arietta” Op. 12 No. 1

As its name suggests, Edvard Grieg’s Lyric Pieces is a collection of lyrical and beautiful works—66 short pieces for piano in total.

The set is divided into ten books, with Arietta placed at the very beginning of Book I.

The year Book I was published, 1867, was also the year Grieg married his wife, Nina Hagerup.

About 34 years later, the final piece of Book X, Remembrances, brings the collection to a close by presenting a variation of the Arietta motif.

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Lyric Pieces, Book III, Op. 43: No. 1, “Butterfly”Edvard Grieg54rank/position

Butterfly (Grieg) – Sommerfugl (Butterfly) Op. 43 No. 1 – Lyric Pieces – pianomaedaful

Among the works of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, one of the most popular is his collection of 66 piano miniatures, Lyric Pieces.

Published in ten volumes, this set vividly reflects both Grieg’s musical genius and Norway’s cultural background.

Butterfly, included in the Third Volume, is notable for its light and delicate melody.

It evokes the beauty of a fluttering butterfly and the vitality of spring, richly stirring the listener’s imagination.

With recordings of Grieg’s own performances preserved, this piece conveys his artistic vision along with its refined sonorities.

Lyric Pieces, Book III, Op. 43, No. 4: “Little Bird”Edvard Grieg55rank/position

Grieg / The Little Bird (Lyric Pieces) Op. 43, piano: Vincenzo Balzani

Among the 66 pieces included in the Lyric Pieces, Little Bird is a work that captivates with Edvard Grieg’s characteristically beautiful melody and delicate atmosphere.

Its melody, carried by a light rhythm, seems to echo the chirping of a small bird.

The bright, hope-filled mood that evokes the coming of spring is sure to soothe the listener’s heart.

Conveying a love of nature, this piece is perfect for developing expressive skills in the course of learning the piano.

Lyric Pieces, Book V, Op. 54 – No. 3: March of the DwarfsEdvard Grieg56rank/position

Lyric Pieces, Book V, Op. 54 – III. March of the Dwarfs (Grieg)

This piece, with its creeping opening melody and a rhythm that’s both playful and sprightly, is a perfect fit for Halloween, and it’s a piano miniature by the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg.

Depicting a procession of elves in a Nordic forest, its staccato passages laced with dissonance sound just like the mischievous footsteps of little goblins.

In the middle section, the music briefly transforms into a shimmering, beautiful melody, but its dramatic appeal lies in how it returns to the raucous march.

The piece was included in the collection Lyric Pieces, Book V, Op.

54, published around 1891.

It’s ideal for creating that fun yet slightly spooky Halloween mood! If you perform it on the piano, it’s sure to liven up any party, so try playing with crisp rhythms and a strong contrast of tone colors.

Lyric Pieces “March of the Trolls,” Op. 54 No. 3Edvard Grieg57rank/position

Mikhail Pletnev – Grieg: March of the Dwarfs Op.54 No.3 VIDEO

A piece depicting a procession of trolls, the fairies that appear in Norwegian legends.

Composed and published in 1891, it is characterized by a lively, dynamic rhythm and distinctive harmonic progressions.

The staccato theme at the opening evokes the trolls’ footsteps, while the middle section shifts the mood entirely, unfolding a melody full of charm and brilliance.

This contrast lends the entire work a rich expressiveness.

With warmth and melody that conjure images of Norway’s rugged nature and fjords, it vividly sparks the listener’s imagination.

Highly recommended for those interested in the mystical atmosphere of the Nordic lands and music rich in folk color.

Lyric Pieces “Nocturne,” Op. 54 No. 4Edvard Grieg58rank/position

Grieg: Lyric Pieces – Nocturne, Op. 54 No. 4 / Performed by Naomi Suzuki

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?

Lyrical Pieces “Summer Evening,” Op. 71 No. 2Edvard Grieg59rank/position

Edvard Grieg – Summer Evening (Sommeraften), Lyric Pieces, Op. 71 No. 2

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.

Lyric Pieces “To Spring,” Op. 43 No. 6Edvard Grieg60rank/position

To Spring… 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.