Dive into the enchanting world of Edvard Grieg with "Grieg - The Early Years," a captivating collection of his early works that showcase the genius of one of Norway's most celebrated composers. Released on July 18, 2025, under the Naxos Special Projects label, this album spans a rich 1 hour and 47 minutes, offering a profound journey through Grieg's early musical explorations.
The album is a treasure trove of 28 tracks, including iconic pieces like "Morning Mood" from "Peer Gynt," the hauntingly beautiful "Anitras dans," and the spirited "I Dovregubbens hall (In the Hall of the Mountain King)." Grieg's mastery of orchestral and piano compositions shines through, blending romanticism with Norwegian folk influences to create a timeless body of work.
Born on June 15, 1843, Edvard Grieg is widely regarded as one of the leading composers of the Romantic era. His music, characterized by its lyrical melodies and expressive depth, has left an indelible mark on classical music. "Grieg - The Early Years" is not just an album; it's a testament to Grieg's enduring legacy and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his compositions.
From the tender "Margaret's Cradle Song" to the dramatic "Solfager og ormekongen," each piece on this album tells a story, inviting you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Grieg's early creations. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Grieg's work, this album offers a compelling introduction to the early genius of a musical titan.
2025 Naxos2025 Naxos
Tracks
No. 1, AriettaEdvard Grieg, Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
Prelude. Morgenstemning (Morning Mood)Edvard Grieg, Knut Stiklestad, Yngve Andre Soberg, Hans Jacob Sand, Itziar Martinez Galdos, Isa Gericke, Malmo Chamber Choir, Lund Kulturskolan Boys and Girls Chorus, Malmö Symphony Orchestra, Bjarte Engeset
Intermezzo in A Minor for Cello and Piano: Allegretto tranquilloEdvard Grieg, Oystein Birkeland, Håvard Gimse
No. 7, Albumblad (Album Leaf)Edvard Grieg, Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
IntermezzoEdvard Grieg, Malmö Opera Orchestra, Bjarte Engeset
No. 22, Kulok (Cow Call)Edvard Grieg, Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
I. Allegro con brioEdvard Grieg, Henning Kraggerud, Helge Kjekshus
No. 2, Non allegro e molto espressivoEdvard Grieg, Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
Prelude. I Bryllupsgarden (At the Wedding)Edvard Grieg, Anne Marit Jacobsen, Hans Jacob Sand, Isa Gericke, Gjermund Larsen, Malmö Symphony Orchestra, Bjarte Engeset
Hjertets melodier (Melodies of the Heart), Op. 5: III. Jeg elsker Dig [I Love but Thee]Edvard Grieg, Bodil Arnesen, Erling Ragnar Eriksen
No. 2, Vals (Waltz)Edvard Grieg, Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
I. Allegro molto moderatoEdvard Grieg, Jenő Jandó, Magyar Szimfonikus Zenekarok, András Ligeti
No. 1, Tempo di valseEdvard Grieg, Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
II. Adagio espressivoEdvard Grieg, Malmö Symphony Orchestra, Bjarte Engeset
No. 1, Fjellslått (In the Mountains)Edvard Grieg, Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
No. 9, Når mitt oye (Religious Song)Edvard Grieg, Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
I. Allegro moderato (1887 revised Version)Edvard Grieg, Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
No. 12, Solfager og ormekongen (Solfager and the Snake King)Edvard Grieg, Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
No. 1, Det første møde (The First Meeting)Edvard Grieg, Inger Dam-Jensen, Malmö Symphony Orchestra, Bjarte Engeset
III. Allegro animatoEdvard Grieg, Henning Kraggerud, Helge Kjekshus
No. 10, Andante con gravitàEdvard Grieg, Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
I Dovregubbens hall (In the Hall of the Mountain King) [Chorus, Troll Maiden, Troll Witches, Mountain King]Edvard Grieg, Hans Jacob Sand, Unni Løvlid, Kirsten Bråten Berg, Lena Willemark, Erik Hivju, Malmo Chamber Choir, Lund Kulturskolan Boys and Girls Chorus, Malmö Symphony Orchestra, Bjarte Engeset
No. 4, Andante con sentimentoEdvard Grieg, Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
III. Jeg giver mit digt til varen (to Springtime My Song I'm Singing)Edvard Grieg, Bodil Arnesen, Erling Ragnar Eriksen
No. 3, Vektersang (Watchman's Song)Edvard Grieg, Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
Anitras dans (Anitra's Dance)Edvard Grieg, Knut Stiklestad, Yngve Andre Soberg, Hans Jacob Sand, Itziar Martinez Galdos, Isa Gericke, Malmo Chamber Choir, Lund Kulturskolan Boys and Girls Chorus, Malmö Symphony Orchestra, Bjarte Engeset
IV. The Northland FolkEdvard Grieg, Helge Ronning, Malmo Chamber Choir, Lunds Studentsångare, Malmö Symphony Orchestra, Bjarte Engeset