Scoreload

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

1. Inspiration from Play: Edvard Grieg composed the music for "Peer Gynt" between 1875 and 1876. The play itself, written by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, provided Grieg with inspiration for the musical pieces.

2. Popular Pieces: The suite includes some of Grieg's most famous and recognizable compositions, such as "Morning Mood," "In the Hall of the Mountain King," "Anitra's Dance," and "Solveig's Song."

3. Morning Mood: "Morning Mood" is arguably the most well-known piece from the suite. It's a serene and evocative melody that captures the essence of a tranquil morning, often associated with the rising sun.

4. In the Hall of the Mountain King: "In the Hall of the Mountain King" is a lively and dramatic piece that represents Peer Gynt's encounter with trolls in the mountains. It builds in intensity, reflecting the escalating tension in the scene.

5. Anitra's Dance: This piece, "Anitra's Dance," is a lively and exotic dance that reflects the character of Anitra. Grieg skillfully incorporates Middle Eastern musical elements, adding a touch of the exotic to the suite.

6. Solveig's Song: "Solveig's Song" is a beautiful and tender composition representing the character Solveig. It's a poignant melody that expresses love and devotion.

7. Original Performance: The original production of "Peer Gynt" with Grieg's music was not initially well-received, but over time, the suite gained immense popularity and became one of Grieg's most celebrated works.

8. Versatility: While the music was originally composed as incidental music for a play, Grieg later arranged it into two separate suites for concert performance, making it more widely accessible.

Grieg's "Peer Gynt, Op. 23" is a masterful composition that has left a lasting impact on classical music, with its individual pieces often performed in concert settings independent of the play.