Grieg's Second Violin Sonata was deemed 'far too Norwegian' by his mentor Niels Gade, to which Grieg defiantly responded that he intended to write even 'more Norwegian' music in the future.
Composition History
The premiere of Grieg's Third Violin Sonata in Leipzig featured Adolf Brodsky on violin, the same violinist who had premiered Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Grieg classified his three violin sonatas: the first as 'naive and prolix,' the second as 'nationalistic,' and the third as turning 'towards much broader horizons.'
Composer Biography
Edvard Grieg, the composer of these violin sonatas, was sent to Leipzig at age 15 for elite musical training, a common path for Scandinavian musicians.
Composer Biography
Ole Bull, a famous Norwegian virtuoso violinist lauded by Schumann and Liszt, was related to Grieg's family and influenced Grieg to incorporate Norwegian folklore into his music.
Recording & Production
The violinist on this recording, Vineta Sareika, plays an Antonio Stradivari violin from 1683.
Instruments
Norway is considered a 'double homeland of the violin,' featuring both traditional Hardanger fiddles with sympathetic strings and the magnificent violins of Ole Bull, including Gaspare da Salo and Guarneri instruments.
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