Born: 1843, Bergen, Norway
Died: 1907, Bergen

“The artist is an optimist. Otherwise he would be no artist. He believes and hopes in the triumph of the good and the beautiful.”

Grieg was the most prominent Scandinavian composer of his generation. His greatest talent lay in crafting exquisite lyrical pieces of the sort that populate Peer Gynt, his songs, and his piano music. Of his large-scale works, the Piano Concerto has proven the most enduring. Grieg’s use of folk tunes and other folk-inspired material places him squarely among the musical nationalists of the 19th century. He also influenced later composers, including Debussy, whose String Quartet bears a marked resemblance to the Norwegian’s second work in that genre.

Further listening:

Lyric Pieces (piano, 1867-1901)
Emil Gilels (DG)

Holberg Suite (strings, 1885)
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra (DG)