We live a few short kilometers from the historic Edvard Grieg home and museum. Edvard was a little guy, who had enormous energy. He had only one functioning lung after an illness when he was about 16. He wrote and performed at the close of the Romantic period in Norway. His music is very patriotic and reflective of the grandeur of Norway's landscape.
Grieg was successful and respected as a young man. He and his wife had this house built when they were still in their 30's. It sits on the bank of a fjord and offers inspiring views for the artist.
How is that for an eyefull out the back door of your sunroom?
Signe Bakke performed a short concert in the little hall that overlooks Grieg's "hytte" or cabin. He did much of his writing in the silence of this little retreat.
His set up was wonderful. Just imagine the rain falling, the woodstove cranked up just a little and Edvard Grieg putting pen to paper to create a tone painting of Norwegian folklore or the magnificent landscape.
Bjornstjerne Bjornsen was a huge influence on all of Norway during the 1800's. He and Ole Bull and to a certain extent Henrik Ibsen pushed Grieg to follow Norwegian themes and traditional melodies within his compositions.
Great Eyebrows! ...and he wrote the words to the National Anthem.
The Hardanger Fiddle is a traditional Norwegian instument. Note the extra tuning pegs. It still has just four stings that you bow or pluck but the other tuned strings also vibrate and give this fiddle its uniquely Norwegian sound. That sound is reflected in some of Grieg's works.
So, if you are in the need for something to pick you up this week go on Utube and find the great Piano Concerto in A minor or something from Peer Gynt or a short piece titled "Little Troll." Could be the perfect pickmeup. Try Leif Ove Andsnes Grieg Concerto or Grieg - Op.71 No.3 Puck/Småtroll also on you tube.
Very cool! I still remember learning and singing "Ja Vi Elsker" during Norwegian 101. Those are some serious eyebrows, too.
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