Grieg's Barnlige Sange (Children's Songs), Op. 61, were originally commissioned to be printed in Nordahl Rolfsen's Lesebog (Reader), but Grieg's inspiration led to them being published independently.
Composition History
Grieg dedicated his Seks Digte (Six Poems), Op. 4, to his fiancée Nina Hagerup, though these were not love songs.
Composer Biography
Edvard Grieg's love for his cousin Nina Hagerup, a recognized singer, was the reason he wrote so many songs, and she became a major source of inspiration for him.
Composition History
Grieg's well-known song, Jeg elsker dig (I Love You) from Hjertets Melodier (The Heart's Melodies), Op. 5, was his engagement present to Nina Hagerup.
Performer Biography
Monica Groop, the mezzo-soprano on this recording, is one of Finland's most sought-after young singers, having performed as a soloist at the Finnish National Opera since 1989.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Grieg found his individual melodic style for the first time in his Hjertets Melodier (The Heart's Melodies), Op. 5, which set four poems by Hans Christian Andersen.
Composition History
Upon reading Arne Garborg's Haugtussa poems, Grieg felt they were 'already set to music' and quickly composed twelve settings, though only approved eight for publication as Op. 67.
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