Grieg, Einar Steen-Nøkleberg, Rut Tellefsen, Per Tofte, Chamber Choir Of The Norwegian State Institute Of Music, Stefan Schiøll – Piano Music Vol. 11

Grieg – Piano Music Vol. 11
Edvard Grieg
Performed by Einar Steen-Nøkleberg, with narration by Rut Tellefsen and Per Tofte, the Chamber Choir of the Norwegian State Institute of Music, conducted by Stefan Schiøll

This richly varied collection brings together some of Grieg’s most evocative orchestral and piano-linked works, blending Norwegian folklore, theatrical narration, and vivid Romantic character painting. The result is a programme that moves fluidly between dramatic storytelling, lyrical reflection, and iconic orchestral miniatures.

The Sigurd Jorsalfar incidental music opens the set with a sense of historical grandeur and national identity. Its introduction and melodrama, followed by ceremonial marches, reflect Grieg’s ability to elevate narrative theatre into vividly coloured orchestral music.

The Peer Gynt suites form the emotional and musical centrepiece of the collection. From the instantly recognisable “Morning Mood” to the ominous energy of “In the Hall of the Mountain King,” Grieg captures Henrik Ibsen’s dramatic world with unforgettable melodic invention. Later movements such as “Solveig’s Song” provide moments of deep lyricism and emotional stillness, contrasting with the suite’s more exotic and dramatic episodes.

Selections from Olav Trygvason add choral and ceremonial depth, while the concluding Bergliot presents a dramatic narrative cantata of intensity and weight, blending spoken word, orchestral texture, and choral forces into a powerful theatrical experience.

Together, these works highlight Grieg’s unique ability to fuse Norwegian identity with Romantic expression, resulting in music that is both national in character and universal in appeal.

Tracklist:

Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 22

1. Borghild’s Dream – Introduction and Melodrama – 3:38
2. At the Matching Game – March – 4:32
3. Homage March – 3:15

Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46
4. Morning Mood – 4:00
5. The Death of Åse – 4:12
6. Anitra’s Dance – 3:31
7. In the Hall of the Mountain King – 3:08

Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55
8. The Abduction of the Bride / Ingrid’s Lament – 3:27
9. Arabian Dance – 5:11
10. Peer Gynt’s Homecoming (Stormy Evening on the Sea) – 3:34
11. Solveig’s Song – 4:43

Olav Trygvason, Op. 50
12. Prayer – 4:03
13. Temple Dance – 6:29

14. Bergliot, Op. 42 – 18:44