The concerto composed by Edvard Grieg was meant to become not just one of the most popular compositions among his own pieces but also a world-class music work, one of the most outstanding and most-performed piano concerti in the world.
The Piano Concerto in A Minor (Op.16) is the only work that Grieg composed in this genre. It was born during his visit to Denmark in 1868, where composer headed to improve his health staying in a favourable climate. Apparently, the climate affected positively his creative skills too.
The concert is often compared to Schumann’s “one and only” Piano Concerto that is also written in the same key. And that’s no wonder: Grieg was a huge fan of Schumann’s talent and was taught piano by his friend (E. Wenzel). There are also clear references to the folk music of Grieg’s native country – Norway. The special motif (falling minor 2nd followed by the falling major 3rd) can be traced both in the concerto and in other works by Grieg, including his first string quartet.
Edvard Grieg could not be present at the premiere of his concerto, although he could easily play the piano part himself. This work became the 1st concerto ever recorded: it was done by Wilhelm Backhaus in 1909.
The version that we hear and enjoy today has gone through 7 major edits by Grieg who made over 300 changes to the original score all in all. The final exemplar of the score was ready just a few weeks before the composer’s death.
To me, this concerto is one of the most relaxing pieces of music ever written. So I gladly put it on when the mood longs for the calm and beautiful. Below is Julia Fischer’s interpretation (piano).
The Piano Concerto in A Minor (Op.16) is the only work that Grieg composed in this genre. It was born during his visit to Denmark in 1868, where composer headed to improve his health staying in a favourable climate. Apparently, the climate affected positively his creative skills too.
The concert is often compared to Schumann’s “one and only” Piano Concerto that is also written in the same key. And that’s no wonder: Grieg was a huge fan of Schumann’s talent and was taught piano by his friend (E. Wenzel). There are also clear references to the folk music of Grieg’s native country – Norway. The special motif (falling minor 2nd followed by the falling major 3rd) can be traced both in the concerto and in other works by Grieg, including his first string quartet.
Edvard Grieg could not be present at the premiere of his concerto, although he could easily play the piano part himself. This work became the 1st concerto ever recorded: it was done by Wilhelm Backhaus in 1909.
The version that we hear and enjoy today has gone through 7 major edits by Grieg who made over 300 changes to the original score all in all. The final exemplar of the score was ready just a few weeks before the composer’s death.
To me, this concerto is one of the most relaxing pieces of music ever written. So I gladly put it on when the mood longs for the calm and beautiful. Below is Julia Fischer’s interpretation (piano).
