Edvard Hagerup Grieg (1843-1907)

Norway’s best known composer and pianist in the Romantic period was a workaholic, humble and highly imaginative. Grieg studied music so enthusiastically and compulsively that he ruined his health and suffered a server attack of pleurisy – a lifelong breathing problem.

Though Grieg used to travel widely, he was always homesick as he was very patriotic of his homeland. He married his cousin Nina Hagerup. He was awarded a grant in 1874 and returned to his hometown Bergen; 9 years later he moved to their new home, Troldhaugen outside Bergen. Best known for his Piano Concerto in A minor and his incidental music to Henrik Ibsens play Peer Gynt (which includes Morning Mood and In the Hall of the Mountain King).

I am really missing my piano and to be able to listen to my music collection! Pictures from left: Nina & Grieg, Troldhaugen, the hut where he worked with his compositions and Troldsalen/concert hall.

Suddenly a mist fell from my eyes and I knew the way I had to take – Grieg