In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Edvard Grieg

Born: 1843. Died: 1907. Lived in: Norway

Grieg was born in Bergen, and was of partial Scottish descent. His great-grandfather immigrated to Norway around 1770, and settled as a businessman in Bergen. Edvard was brought up in a musical home. His mother, Gesine, became his first piano teacher.

In the summer of 1858, Grieg met the legendary Norwegian violinist Ole Bull, who was a friend of the family and Gesine's brother-in-law. Bull noticed the 15-year-old boy's talent and persuaded his parents to allow him to go to Leipzig to study.

Grieg attained numerous concerts in Leipzig, but disliked the dicipline of the conservatory and found it little inspiring. In the spring of 1860, he caught a life-threatening lounge disease. The year after, he made his debut as a concert pianist, in Karlshamn, Sweden. The next year he finished his studies in Leipzig, and held his first concert in his hometown Bergen.

Arrangements | Recordings | Trax CDs

Individual Folios

Displaying 1-4 of 4 items.

Howard D. McKinney : Brothers, Sing On

Arranger: Howard D. McKinney

Ruth Morris Gray : Dance of the Elves

A spry and enchanting adaptation of Edvard Grieg's magical piano solo, this choral arrangement conjures up heaps of holiday cheer with its clever lyrics and jaunty classical feel. Festive and fun!

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

Faye López : It Is Finished, Tetelestai

A new perspective on the final words of Christ is visited in this pensive offering. The Greek phrase spoken on the cross translated as It is finished was often used in business transactions of Biblical times, meaning paid in full. The poignant realization is the heart of this bittersweet Holy Week anthem. Incorporating the sad Solveig's Song theme and the sorrowful strains of the well-known ABERYSTWYTH hymn are masterful touches.

Arranger: Faye López