Edvard H. Grieg

    Edvard Hagerup Grieg (1843-1907) was a noted Norwegian composer and pianist. Bergen is his birthplace; his studies were pursued at Leipsic and then at Copenhagen. As a pianist he made a name for himself in England, Germany, and Italy, but he is best as a composer. His compositions are of many different kinds, —folk songs, chamber music, heavy suites for orchestra, works for piano with orchestra, and others. Ibsen, the dramatist, and Bjornson, the author, were his friends. Peer Gynt, perhaps his best-known work, is the orchestral music for Ibsen's play of that name. Probably the characteristic which most endears his music to so many is its great originality, for Grieg's music is not like any other music. His themes are not smooth and tranquil, but are very erratic, being brilliant and moody by turns. They are thought to reflect the temperament of his northern countrymen.

Edvard H. Grieg