Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, Op. 65 No. 6

History

Grieg wrote this piece in summer 1896 with the earlier title Gratulantene kommer, connected with Nancy Giertsen's fiftieth birthday. In 1897 it took the title Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, recalling the silver-wedding celebration of 11 June 1892. The birthday origin and the wedding memory are two stages in its history, not a single occasion. The piece appeared in print in 1897.

Sources

• griegminuttforminutt.no

What to listen for

1. 1

   A low rhythmic announcement

   Low repeated sounds and rests establish the opening rhythm. Keep the accented attacks clear and the gaps in time; the small fast gesture at the end leads into the melody.

2. 2

   The tune rises above an inner pulse

   The melody climbs while an inner voice repeats shorter supporting notes. Bring out the rising line, then keep the accented chord response crisp without overpowering it.

3. 3

   A repeated figure leads onward

   The melody repeats a compact shape over chord support, then a chord response closes with another quick lead-in. Connect the melodic pairs while keeping the detached notes and rests distinct.

4. 4

   The same idea moves to a new register

   A related melodic rise returns at a different pitch level. Balance its upper line against the supporting voice, then give the chord response a clear rhythmic shape.

How to practise it

Keep the march punctuation clear before the smaller figure.

1. Practise the entry from the rest and release the marked chord cleanly.
2. Practise the triplet approach into the next notes separately before joining.
3. Connect the stated opening gestures at a comfortable tempo, keeping their distinct releases.

How hard is it

About this piece

Collection

Small scenes, big imagination

Licence

Public Domain

Source

mutopiaproject.org

More by Edvard Grieg

1. 1Arietta, Lyric Pieces Op. 12 No. 1Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
2. 2Troldtog (March of the Dwarfs)Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro