The Music of Edvard Grieg

Edvard Grieg was the preeminent figure of Norwegian musical nationalism, celebrated for his ability to transform folk traditions into sophisticated art music. A master of the Romantic era, Grieg established a distinct Nordic identity that broke away from the dominant German influences of the 19th century. In this course, we explore how his innovative use of harmony not only captured the essence of Norwegian culture but also paved the way for the Impressionist movement and 20th-century harmonic language. In this course, we explore the most important works from his Lyric Pieces for piano, his Piano Concerto in A minor, the Holberg Suite, and the Peer Gynt Suites. We also examine some of his chamber music and songs, highlighting his role in elevating folk melodies to the international concert stage. As we explore this music, we assess Grieg's legacy in music history and as a cornerstone of Norwegian cultural identity in present-day performance traditions.