Scoreload

Norwegian composer and pianist renowned for incorporating Norwegian folk music into Romantic classical compositions, creating a distinctive national style. Born in Bergen, Norway. Studied at Leipzig Conservatory. Championed Norwegian musical nationalism. Composed iconic works including the Peer Gynt suites and Piano Concerto in A minor. Suffered lifelong respiratory illness. Died in Bergen after hospital confinement.

• Grieg married his first cousin, Nina Hagerup, causing family estrangement. Their only child, Alexandra, died aged 13 months from meningitis, causing profound grief.
• Despite chronic pleurisy and tuberculosis affecting his left lung (collapsed by age 40), he undertook extensive concert tours across Europe, often against doctors' orders.
• He refused to compose symphonies, believing large-scale forms didn't suit his style, focusing instead on lyrical miniatures and national themes.
• Cause of death was chronic respiratory failure and heart complications after emergency hospital transfer during a trip to Bergen. Over 30,000 mourners joined his funeral procession.
• His Troldhaugen villa, where he composed in a cliffside hut overlooking a fjord, became a museum housing his Steinway piano and composing cabin.