The melodies harmonies moods and rhythms of Norwegian folk songs and dance (even the sounds of Norwegian folk instruments) permeate the music of Edvard Grieg (1843-1907). After studying in Leipzig and Copenhagen he returned to Norway and a chance meeting with Norwegian nationalist Rikard Nordraak ignited his interest in folk music and laid the foundation for his compositional style. His most famous orchestral works are the Piano Concerto (1868) and the incidental music to Ibsen’s play Peer Gynt (1875). He wrote many collections of folk music for piano and these two tunes come from his 25 Norwegian Folk Songs and Dances op. 17.
