Edvard Grieg (05:21)

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Composing during the Romantic Era, Grieg’s music was inspired by Norway’s landscape. His great-great-grandfather migrated to Bergen in 1770. His mother, Gesine Hagerup was a pianist; her and his father Alexander hosted musical gatherings, exposing Grieg to important musicians.

Grieg's Education (04:58)

While attending Leipzig Conservatory, Grieg studied with famous musicians, frequented the Arabic Coffee Tree, and became close with Max Abraham; all Grieg's works were published and distributed by Abraham. After being home for a year, Grieg studied with Neils Gade in Copenhagen.

Grieg's Inspirations (05:16)

Gade persuaded Grieg to write a symphony, cultivating his passion for composition and channeling his love for Norway; Hans Christian Anderson poems influenced later works. Grieg married Nina Hagerup, inspiring his piano concerto, "Ole Bull." Rikard Nordraak advanced the composer’s nationalism.

Grieg's Masterpiece Concerto (07:39)

Grieg wrote "Piano Concerto in A Minor" in 1867, vacationing with his wife and infant daughter, who died a year later. The piece was widely celebrated and published as "Op.16" in 1872. Currently, Grieg's great-grandson runs the Bergen Hotel dedicated to the late composer.

Grieg's Renown Score (04:39)

Grieg was a composer, pianist, conductor, and fundraiser for Norwegian arts. He composed for Henrik Ibsen’s “Peer Gynt.” In 1876, Grieg attended Wagner’s “Ring Cycle” premiere, influencing him to write more music inspired by Norwegian scenery.

Lofthus, Norway (04:42)

When Grieg’s parents died in 1875, he had no home in Bergen. He stayed in the scenic Hardanger District; friends Hans and Brita Utne owned the Hotel Ullensvang. Edmund Harris Utne shares family stories about the composer’s local inspirations.

Troldhaugen, Bergen (06:39)

In 1883, Grieg suffered from depression, he left his wife and did not complete compositions. In 1884, the coupled reconciled and built their home; the property still stands with an interactive museum and concert hall.

Grieg's Later Years (03:23)

In 1884, Grieg wrote “From Holberg’s Time,” influenced by Baroque dance forms. He formed seasonal habits of composing, taking hiking trips, and going on concert tours during his last 20 years. Grieg wrote “Knut Dahle” in 1903.

Grieg's Legacy (02:46)

Grieg died in 1907 while on tour. His wife trained young singers and promoted his work until dying in 1935. He is memorialized at Grieghallen, by statues in Bergen, and at Troldhaugen, where he and Nina’s ashes rest in the property’s rockface.

Classical Destinations: Reflections (06:07)

Author John Suchet and narrator Simon Callow discuss the title series’ great composers and the places that inspired them.

Credits: E. Grieg (01:23)

Credits: E. Grieg