Peer-Gynt Suites No. 1 &2; Holberg Suite, Op. 40

Classical | Dec 2014

Reviews

Larry Koran
Reviewed 2014-12-06

Grieg’s (1843-1907) Peer Gynt Suites contain incidental music composed for Ibsen’s Peer Gynt, which tells of the downfall and subsequent redemption of a Norwegian peasant anti-hero. Suite No. 1 is Greig’s 2nd most popular composition, after his Piano Concerto. Morning Mood is tender and radiant, The Death of Aase mournful, Anitra’s Dance playful and seductive, and In the Hall of the Mountain King mysterious then riotous. Suite No. 2 begins with the mournful Abduction of the Bride, continues with mixed martial and peasant spirit in Arabian Dance, lyric drama in Peer Gynt’s Homecoming and pensive mood mixed with briefly recalled happiness in Solveig’s Song. The Holberg Suite’s 5 mvmts (based on 18th cent. dance forms) commemorate a great Scandinavian literary figure. The Prelude is exhilarating, the Sarabande lyrical, the Gavotte a court ballroom dance, the internal Musette a folk song, the following Air exquisitely beautiful, the Rigaudon a tribute to Norweigian folk violinists. In Sigurd Jorsalfar, Grieg celebrates King Sigurd I of Norway. In the King’s Hall draws on never-published piano music. Borghild’s Dream contrasts a sensitive string melody with an agitated section. Homage March’s martial theme is presented by four cellos.

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Recent airplay

Sarabande. Andante (4:14), Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46. Morning Mood (4:01), Anitra?S Dance (3:44), Arabian Dance (4:38)

ModernTekNews — Aug 22, 2023

Anitra’S Dance (3:44)

Melange — Nov 03, 2016

In The Hall Of The Mountain King (2:07)

Melange — Oct 27, 2016

In The Hall Of The Mountain King (2:07), Anitra’S Dance (3:44), Aase’S Death (4:46), Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46. Morning Mood (4:01)

Narnia — Jun 11, 2016

Sigurd Jorsalfar. Three Pieces For Orchestra, Op. 56. Prelude To Act Ii (In The

Mix Tape — Jan 24, 2015

Homage March (9:41), Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46. Morning Mood (4:01)

Clean Copper Radio — Jan 21, 2015

Charting

2014-12-12 — 2015-02-13 Classical/Experimental

Week Ending	Airplays
Jan 25	3
Jan 11	1
Dec 28	1

Track listing

	1.	Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46. Morning Mood (4:01)
	2.	Aase?S Death (4:46)
	3.	Anitra?S Dance (3:44)
	4.	In The Hall Of The Mountain King (2:07)
	5.	Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55. The Abduction Of The Bride (4:52)
	6.	Arabian Dance (4:38)
	7.	Peer Gynt?S Homecoming (2:42)
	8.	Solveig?S Song (6:15)
	9.	From Holberg?S Time, Op. 40. Preludium. Allegro Vivace (2:55)
	10.	Sarabande. Andante (4:14)
	11.	Gavotte. Allegretto; Musette. Un Poco Mosso; Gavotte (3:48)
	12.	Air. Andante Religioso (5:48)
	13.	Rigaudon. Allegro Con Brio (3:54)
	14.	Sigurd Jorsalfar. Three Pieces For Orchestra, Op. 56. Prelude To Act Ii (In The
	15.	Intermezzo (Borghild?S Dream) (3:12)
	16.	Homage March (9:41)