Grieg: Norwegian Folk Songs and Dances, Op. 17 and Op. 66

Featuring

Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
Edvard Grieg

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Compositional Technique

Grieg deliberately used unfamiliar, radical chord progressions to suggest the vague tonality found in many folk-songs, a melodic characteristic otherwise impossible to achieve on the piano.

Cultural Impact

Grieg's compositions, often technically accessible to competent amateurs, contributed to him being one of the most played and respected composers in Europe.

Critical Reception

In his later years, Grieg experienced a trend where the musical establishment became more critical of his music, while his popularity among the general music-loving audience increased.

Composer Biography

Edvard Grieg, the composer, showed a strong interest in music from a very early age and was sent to the Conservatory in Leipzig at fifteen.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Grieg believed that the realm of harmony was his "dream-world" and that the secret depth in Norwegian folk-songs stemmed from their rich, untold harmonic possibilities.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Rikard Nordraak, a composer, played a decisive role in Grieg's development by influencing him towards nationalism and the use of Norwegian folk-songs.

Performer Biography

Einar Steen-Nøkleberg, the pianist on this album, is an award-winning Norwegian musician, recognized for his authoritative performances of Grieg's piano music.