The Beauty of Edvard Grieg

Edvard Grieg is a mysteriously under-appreciated composer. Norway's greatest composer, he lived from 1843 to 1907. His music is both strikingly beautiful and undeniably innovative, creative, and original. Recently I've been delving into his music. As you may know from reading my blog, there is little which bothers me more than great composers going unrecognized. Grieg was one of the greatest composers of all time and a true genius. His works are of the highest substance possible.

He is best known for his 'Peer Gynt' Suite and his Piano Concert in A minor.

Check out these videos of those works (you'll probably recognize them):


Peer Gynt Suite: Morning Mood
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVbq-7o84jU

Piano Concert in A minor, Mov. I: Allegro
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh-hV3tTS-E

Both of these are absolutely gorgeous works. However, as with most composers (actually all composers), there is so much more to the composer and so many works that go unheard and unspoken of. Here are some links to more of his great works. Unfortunately, much of his music isn't represented on youtube. Aside from orchestral and piano music, Grieg also wrote songs, and only a precious few of his lovely songs have been recorded and posted on youtube. The scores, however, are available at IMSLP and if one just takes a look at the music, one can hear how gorgeous it is in their head.

Lyric Suite, Op. 54
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_lkjnaIXB8

Lyric Pieces, Op. 12, Op. 38, Op. 43, Op. 47, Op. 54, Op. 57, Op. 62, Op. 65, Op. 68, and Op. 71
(this is several books of short piano solo pieces. All gorgeous. This Berceuse is the first piece in the second book and is the most famous of the many pieces.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0Rlkwq4JKg

Holberg Suite, Op. 40
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNc5z2nu4MQ <--- Movement 1 of 5

Hjertets Melodier, Op. 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypNHslF5Q94 <--- Song 1 of 4

There is so much more glorious music by Edvard Grieg, but I'll leave you to find the rest on your own. Unfortunately, the vast majority of his compositions are not represented on youtube.