Grieg's development as a composer was decisively shaped by Rikard Nordraak, who believed Norwegian music's future lay in nationalism and folk-songs.
Grieg's music often features rhythms taken from folk-dances, and he believed one needed to know and feel the dance rhythm to play his compositions.
Grieg considered harmony to be at the heart of his work, stating that the realm of harmony was always his dream world.
Edvard Grieg, the composer, was sent to the Conservatory in Leipzig at age fifteen after encouragement from violinist and composer Ole Bull.
The term "Lyric Pieces" was Grieg's own invention, and these collections were published regularly from 1883 to 1901.
Grieg's piano pieces were widely played by competent amateurs, contributing to his popularity in Europe despite critical disdain.
Despite his popularity with audiences, critics were increasingly critical of Grieg's music in his later years, which he found hurtful.
