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Edvard Grieg's "Peer Gynt, Op. 23" is a famous suite of music composed as incidental music for Henrik Ibsen's play "Peer Gynt." Here are some interesting facts about this iconic composition:

1. Inspiration from Ibsen: Grieg was inspired to compose the music for "Peer Gynt" after reading Henrik Ibsen's dramatic poem of the same name. Ibsen originally intended the play to be performed with music, and he approached Grieg to create the score.

2. Suite, Not an Opera: Although "Peer Gynt" has been associated with the world of opera due to its dramatic and theatrical qualities, it is not an opera. It is, in fact, a collection of incidental music pieces written to accompany the play's various scenes.

3. Morning Mood: One of the most famous pieces from the suite is "Morning Mood." This gentle and evocative piece has become one of Grieg's most recognizable compositions and is often used in films and commercials to create a sense of calm and beauty.

4. In the Hall of the Mountain King: Another well-known piece from the suite is "In the Hall of the Mountain King." This music captures the tension and excitement of the scene where Peer Gynt sneaks into the mountain king's hall. Its fast-paced and repetitive melody has made it a favorite for various adaptations and parodies.

5. Five Movements: The suite consists of five movements: "Morning Mood," "The Death of Åse," "Anitra's Dance," "In the Hall of the Mountain King," and "Solveig's Song." Each movement corresponds to a different scene in the play and conveys various moods and emotions.

6. Premiere: The first performance of Grieg's music for "Peer Gynt" took place in 1876, with Grieg himself conducting the orchestra. The play and its music were well-received, helping to establish Grieg as a prominent composer in Norway and beyond.

7. Peer Gynt's Legacy: While Ibsen's play and Grieg's music were originally intended as a relatively modest project, both "Peer Gynt" and the music suite have achieved enduring popularity. The music, in particular, has been widely performed in concert halls and used in various forms of media.

8. Norwegian National Identity: Grieg's music for "Peer Gynt" is often considered a key part of Norway's cultural heritage. It helped to promote Norwegian folk music and played a role in the broader movement to establish a national identity for Norway in the late 19th century.

9. Solveig's Song: "Solveig's Song" is a beautiful and poignant piece from the suite that captures the character Solveig's love and devotion to Peer Gynt. It has been performed and recorded by countless artists and is a beloved piece of classical music.

10. Peer Gynt in Popular Culture: The character Peer Gynt and Grieg's music have made appearances in various forms of popular culture, including films, television shows, and literature, showcasing the enduring influence of this composition.

Edvard Grieg's "Peer Gynt, Op. 23" is a masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its rich melodies and evocative storytelling, making it an essential part of classical music repertoire.