Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg with the album "Grieg: Peer Gynt (Excerpts), Violin Sonata No. 2 & Holberg Suite." Released on June 1, 2023, under the Les Indispensables de Diapason label, this collection offers a captivating journey through Grieg's timeless compositions, showcasing his unparalleled ability to blend orchestral grandeur with intimate, expressive melodies.
The album features excerpts from Grieg's iconic incidental music for Henrik Ibsen's play "Peer Gynt," including the beloved "Morning Mood" and the dramatic "In the Hall of the Mountain King." These pieces, conducted by the renowned Sir Thomas Beecham, bring to life the vivid characters and landscapes of Ibsen's drama, demonstrating Grieg's mastery of storytelling through music.
In addition to the "Peer Gynt" excerpts, the album includes Grieg's Violin Sonata No. 2 in G Major, performed with exquisite sensitivity by Ilse Hollweg. This three-movement sonata is a testament to Grieg's skill in writing for the violin, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and technical brilliance.
The album concludes with the Holberg Suite, Op. 40, a neoclassical work inspired by the Baroque dance suite. Orchestrated by Grieg himself, this suite is a delightful exploration of historical dance forms, from the lively Praeludium to the graceful Sarabande and the spirited Rigaudon.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes, this album is a comprehensive introduction to Grieg's diverse musical output, showcasing his ability to evoke a wide range of moods and emotions. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
2023 Les Indispensables de Diapason, a trademark of Reworld Media Group2023 Les Indispensables de Diapason, a trademark of Reworld Media Group
Tracks
Peer Gynt, Op. 23, Act I Scene 3: No. 2. The Bridal Procession (Orchestral Version by Johan Halvorsen)Edvard Grieg, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Peer Gynt, Op. 23, Act II Scene 1: No. 5. Prelude. The Abduction of the Bride. Ingrid's LamentEdvard Grieg, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Peer Gynt, Op. 23, Act II Scene 6: No. 9. In the Hall of the Mountain KingEdvard Grieg, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham, Beecham Choral Society
Peer Gynt, Op. 23, Act IV Scene 1: No. 16. Prelude. Morning MoodEdvard Grieg, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Peer Gynt, Op. 23, Act III Scene 4: No. 15. The Death of ÅseEdvard Grieg, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Peer Gynt, Op. 23, Act IV Scene 6: No. 18. Arabian DanceEdvard Grieg, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham, Beecham Choral Society
Peer Gynt, Op. 23, Act IV Scene 10: No. 22. Solveig's SongEdvard Grieg, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham, Ilse Hollweg
Peer Gynt, Op. 23, Act IV Scene 6: No. 19. Anitra's DanceEdvard Grieg, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Peer Gynt, Op. 23, Act V Scene 1: No. 23. Prelude. Peer Gynt's HomecomingEdvard Grieg, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Peer Gynt, Op. 23, Act V Scene 10: No. 9. Solveig's Cradle SongEdvard Grieg, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham, Ilse Hollweg
Violin Sonata No. 2 in G Major, Op. 13: I. Lento doloroso - Poco allegro - Allegro vivace - PrestoEdvard Grieg, Jascha Heifetz, Emanuel Bay
Violin Sonata No. 2 in G Major, Op. 13: II. Allegretto tranquilloEdvard Grieg, Jascha Heifetz, Emanuel Bay
Violin Sonata No. 2 in G Major, Op. 13: III. Allegro animatoEdvard Grieg, Jascha Heifetz, Emanuel Bay
Holberg Suite, Op. 40: I. Praeludium. Allegro vivace (Orchestral Version)Edvard Grieg, RIAS-Symphonie-Orchester, Herbert Sandberg
Holberg Suite, Op. 40: II. Sarabande. Andante espressivo (Orchestral Version)Edvard Grieg, RIAS-Symphonie-Orchester, Herbert Sandberg
Holberg Suite, Op. 40: III. Gavotte. Allegretto - Musette. Un poco più mosso (Orchestral Version)Edvard Grieg, RIAS-Symphonie-Orchester, Herbert Sandberg
Holberg Suite, Op. 40: IV. Air. Andante religioso (Orchestral Version)Edvard Grieg, RIAS-Symphonie-Orchester, Herbert Sandberg
Holberg Suite, Op. 40: V. Rigaudon. Allegro con brio - Trio (Orchestral Version)Edvard Grieg, RIAS-Symphonie-Orchester, Herbert Sandberg