Immerse yourself in the rich, evocative soundscapes of Edvard Grieg's orchestral works with this comprehensive collection, released on April 3, 2012, by haenssler CLASSIC. Spanning over two hours, this album is a testament to Grieg's mastery of orchestration and his unique ability to capture the essence of Norwegian folk music within a classical framework.
The album opens with the Holberg Suite, Op. 40, a neoclassical composition that pays homage to the 18th-century Norwegian playwright Ludvig Holberg. The suite's five movements, from the graceful Prelude to the lively Rigaudon, showcase Grieg's skill in blending Baroque forms with Romantic harmonies.
Grieg's incidental music for Henrik Ibsen's play Peer Gynt is also prominently featured, with both Suite No. 1, Op. 46, and Suite No. 2, Op. 55, included in their entirety. These suites contain some of Grieg's most famous works, such as "Morning Mood," "The Death of Åse," and the thrilling "In the Hall of the Mountain King."
The album also includes Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16, a work that beautifully showcases the composer's lyrical gifts and his ability to create dramatic tension. The concerto's three movements are performed with sensitivity and virtuosity, highlighting the collaborative relationship between soloist and orchestra.
Complementing these larger works are several shorter pieces, including the Elegiac Melodies, Op. 34, the Lyric Pieces from Op. 68 and Op. 65, and the Symphonic Dances, Op. 64. These works offer a glimpse into Grieg's more intimate, introspective side, with melodies that are both haunting and beautiful.
Throughout the album, Grieg's deep connection to his Norwegian heritage is evident, as is his ability to craft music that is both emotionally resonant and structurally sophisticated. This collection is a celebration of Grieg's enduring legacy and a reminder of the power of orchestral music to evoke a sense of place and time.
2012 haenssler CLASSIC2012 haenssler CLASSIC
Tracks
Holberg Suite, Op. 40: I. PreludeEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Holberg Suite, Op. 40: II. SarabandeEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Holberg Suite, Op. 40: III. GavotteEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Holberg Suite, Op. 40: IV. AirEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Holberg Suite, Op. 40: V. RigaudonEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
2 Elegiac Melodies, Op. 34: No. 1, HjertesårEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
2 Elegiac Melodies, Op. 34: No. 2, VårenEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: I. Morning MoodEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: II. The Death of ÅseEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: III. Anitra's DanceEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: IV. In the Hall of the Mountain KingEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: I. Ingrid's LamentEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: II. Arabian DanceEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: III. Peer Gynt's HomecomingEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: IV. Solveig's SongEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
2 Lyric Pieces, Op. 68 (Version for Orchestra): No. 4, Aften på HøjfjeldetEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
2 Lyric Pieces, Op. 68 (Version for Orchestra): No. 5, BådnlåtEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Symphonic Dances, Op. 64: I. Allegro moderato e marcatoEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Symphonic Dances, Op. 64: II. Allegretto graziosoEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Symphonic Dances, Op. 64: III. Allegro giocosoEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Symphonic Dances, Op. 64: IV. Andante - Allegro risolutoEdvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16: I. Allegro molto moderatoEdvard Grieg, Garrick Ohlsson, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16: II. AdagioEdvard Grieg, Garrick Ohlsson, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16: III. Allegro moderato molto e marcatoEdvard Grieg, Garrick Ohlsson, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Lyric Pieces, Book 8, Op. 65: No. 6, Bryllupsdag på Troldhaugen (Arr. for Orchestra)Edvard Grieg, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner