"Peer Gynt, Op. 23" is a famous suite of incidental music composed by the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Here are some interesting facts about it:
Inspiration: Grieg composed the music for Henrik Ibsen's play "Peer Gynt." The play tells the story of Peer Gynt, a Norwegian folk hero, and Grieg's music serves as incidental music to enhance the dramatic elements of the play.
Famous Movements: One of the most well-known movements from the suite is "In the Hall of the Mountain King." It's a lively and rhythmic piece that has become particularly famous and is often used in various forms of popular culture.
Premiere: The play "Peer Gynt" premiered in 1876 in Oslo, Norway, and Grieg's music was an integral part of the production. The suite, however, was not an immediate success, and it took some time for it to gain widespread popularity.
Five Movements: The suite consists of four movements and a concluding "Morgenstemning" (Morning Mood) reprisal. The movements are titled "Morning Mood," "Åse's Death," "Anitra's Dance," "In the Hall of the Mountain King," and "Solveig's Song."
National Romanticism: Grieg's composition is often associated with the national romanticism movement, as he incorporated Norwegian folk tunes and rhythms into his music. This helped to create a distinctive Norwegian musical identity.
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2: In addition to the first suite, Grieg also composed a second suite for "Peer Gynt." Both suites are often performed separately and have gained popularity not only in concert halls but also in various adaptations for film, television, and other media.
Legacy: "Peer Gynt, Op. 23" remains one of Grieg's most well-known and frequently performed works. Its memorable melodies and evocative atmosphere continue to captivate audiences around the world.