Edvard Grieg Popular Song Rankings [2026]

In the Hall of the Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46Edvard Grieg36rank/position

Edvard Grieg: In the Hall of the Mountain King // Nicolò Foron & London Symphony Orchestra

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 Grieg37rank/position

Grieg – “Peer Gynt” Suite No. 1: Åse’s Death — Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

HATSUMI

Report a problem

‘Solveig’s Song’ from Peer Gynt Suite No. 2Edvard Grieg38rank/position

Grieg: Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55-4 “Solveig’s Song”

Edvard Grieg, a Norwegian composer known as a leading figure of the national romantic school influenced by Norwegian music.

He studied under Ole Bull and Niels Gade, and although he did not become a professional performing musician, he was renowned for his formidable piano technique.

One of his representative works is “Solveig’s Song” from Peer Gynt Suite No.

2.

Beyond its poignancy and beauty, it also features mysterious melodies that evoke a sense of adventure, allowing a variety of images to unfold within a single piece.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Holberg Suite, Op. 40Edvard Grieg39rank/position

Grieg / Holberg Suite: I. Prelude, Op. 40 / Performed by Kumiko Nishihata

Holberg refers to a writer known as the father of Norwegian literature.

The piece was composed by Grieg around the age of 40 for the 200th anniversary of Holberg’s birth.

Consisting of dance forms, it is a work filled throughout with Grieg’s characteristically buoyant expression.

Funeral March in Memory of Rikard Nordraak, EG 107Edvard Grieg40rank/position

Edvard Grieg – Funeral March for Rikard Nordraak

While taking the form of a funeral march, this work deftly incorporates elements of Norwegian folk music.

It consists of a weighty main section in B-flat minor and a contrasting middle section in the major key, and is characterized by Norwegian-style melodies.

The deep sorrow at the untimely death of a close friend and the respect paid to him imbue the piece with a moving quality that resonates with listeners.

Grieg himself held the work in very high esteem and wished for it to be performed at his own funeral.

It is highly recommended for those interested in music that evokes Norway’s rugged nature and national character.

waltzEdvard Grieg41rank/position

Grieg: Waltz, Op. 12 No. 2 (from Lyric Pieces)

One piece from Grieg’s Lyric Pieces, in which his rich lyricism is fully displayed and which became one of his signature works.

As the title suggests, it is written in the waltz rhythm of 3/4 time.

It’s best to play with a clear sense of the three beats so that one could dance a waltz to it.

Grieg, a pianist-composer who represents Norway, wrote many works that carry a certain nostalgic, folk-like character.

This piece, too, is an appealing work in which a folk-inflected melody is exquisitely interwoven with the social dance rhythm of the “waltz.”

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

HATSUMI

Report a problem

Violin Sonata No. 3 in C minor, Op. 45Edvard Grieg42rank/position

Grieg: Violin Sonata No. 3 in C minor, Op. 45 – I. Allegro molto ed appassionato Pf. Seiko Miyamoto Vn. Sayaka Mabuchi

Among Grieg’s violin sonatas, this is the most popular and is still frequently performed today.

It opens with a boldly energetic passage, and from the middle section the violin’s gentle timbre lends it a charming character.

At its 1887 premiere, Grieg himself played the piano.

It is the last work he wrote using the traditional sonata form.