Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) is considered the foremost composer of keyboard music in the Nordic countries.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Grieg believed that the "murky depth" in Norwegian folk music had its basis in unrealized harmonic possibilities, which he tried to express in his folk song settings.
Composition History
The Slåtter, Op. 72, were arrangements of Hardanger fiddle dances, which Grieg undertook in autumn 1902.
Composer Biography
During his lifetime, Grieg achieved world renown with his Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16, one of the most frequently performed romantic piano concertos.
Composition History
Grieg's real breakthrough as a melodist and harmonist came with Humoresker Op. 5, influenced by his friend Rikard Nordraak's (1842-66) ideas about independent Norwegian music.
Cultural Impact
Grieg's original contributions to harmony and his influence on Debussy's impressionism and Bartók's use of folk music elements are now more recognized.
Compositional Technique
In the Slåtter, Grieg consciously exploited a style where sound blocks collide with individual counter-melodies in sharp dissonances, such as minor seconds, major sevenths, and tritones.
You might also enjoy...
Grieg: Piano Music, Vol. 5
Kjell Bækkelund Spiller Grieg
Grieg: Complete Piano Music, Vol. 4
Grieg: Complete Piano Music, Vol. 10
Grieg: Complete Piano Music, Vol. 6
Grieg: Solo Piano Music, Vol. 2
Grieg: Piano Music, Vol. 6
Grieg: Nordische Tänze und Volksweisen
Grieg: Complete Piano Music, Vol. 7
Grieg: Piano Music, Vol. 3
The Russian Piano Tradition: Alexander Goldenweiser (1952-1953)
