Edvard Grieg

Life and music

Grieg grew up in Bergen, where his mother Gesine was his first piano teacher. He studied in Leipzig with Ignaz Moscheles and later joined Copenhagen's musical life. His wife Nina was a singer who performed his songs. Their home at Troldhaugen became a place for composing and meeting musicians. Alongside his piano music, he published collections of folk songs, dances and tunes.

Begin exploring with Arietta and listen for a melody that stays clear above its accompanying layers. Wedding Day at Troldhaugen offers a broader destination; March of the Dwarfs adds a contrasting character. Choose a listening path that interests you rather than treating these works as a compulsory sequence.

Sources

• henle.de
• bergenbibliotek.no
• kodebergen.no

Where to start

1. 1Arietta, Lyric Pieces Op. 12 No. 1Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
2. 2Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, Op. 65 No. 6Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro
3. 3Troldtog (March of the Dwarfs)Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro

More pieces in the Music Room

Small scenes, big imagination

• Album Leaf, Lyric Pieces, Op. 47 No. 2Level 4, estimatedWith Maestro
• Albumblatt in E minor, Op. 12 No. 7Level 4, estimatedWith Maestro
• Butterfly (Papillon), Lyric Pieces, Op. 43 No. 1Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro
• Lualåt (The Mountaineer’s Song), Op. 73 No. 7Level 6, estimatedWith Maestro

At the dance floor

• Anitra’s Dance, Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 Op. 46 No. 3: piano editionLevel 6, estimatedWith Maestro

Sonata journeys

• Piano Sonata in E minor, Op. 7: II. Andante moltoLevel 7, estimatedWith Maestro

More pieces

• Folk Melody, Op. 12 No. 5Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
• In the Hall of the Mountain King, Op. 46 No. 4, piano arrangementLevel 6, estimatedWith Maestro