Edvard Grieg produced a total of 74 works during his life span. These works include piano music, lyrical pieces, songs, folk songs, chamber music and works for orchestra.
In the Hall of The Mountain King
One of Grieg’s most famous works is In the Hall of The Mountain King, which was written as part of the stage music for Henrik Ibsen's famous play Peer Gynt. Grieg created 26 pieces of music for Peer Gynt, but during his lifetime, the work was never performed in its entirety. Tthe day after a new performance in 1902, Grieg wrote in a letter to a friend: "If I live a little longer, I will perform all the music."
Since the premiere of the work in 1876, parts of it have been used countless times in songs, movies, television programs and even in video games. Among the most famous bands that have made new recordings are The Who and Electric Light Orchestra.
Who is Dovregubben
In Norwegian the king in the mountain hall is called Dovregubben. Dovregubben is a powerful troll king who lives with his court of underground beings inside "Dovregubbens Hall", and is symbolic of all the narrow-minded and self-righteous people.
The collaboration between Grieg and Ibsen
In the Hall of The Mountain King is very different to the rest of the musical pieces in Peer Gynt. It has a violent and gloomy feeling, in stark contrast to the rest of the compositions Edvard Grieg wrote for the piece, which are very bright and tender.
Edvard Grieg was actually busy making music for an opera with Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, another famous Norwegian writer, when he was contacted by Henrik Ibsen regarding composing music to Peer Gynt. Grieg's first reaction was that this was impossible as he perceived Ibsen's dramatic poems as very unmusical, but it is alleged that the financial offer from Ibsen in the end was too good for him to turn it down.
Photo: Edvard Grieg and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson 15 June 1903 at Troldhaugen during the celebration of Grieg's 60th birthday.
Dovregubben and Dovregubbens hall
The name Dovregubben and Dovregubbens hall live on in many places in Norway. In the concert and event venue Grieg Hall in Bergen, the largest room has been named Dovregubbens Hall. The name Dovregubben is also used in cafes, kindergartens and other places.
Edvard Grieg's home at Troldhaugen is now a museum, open for the public with guided tours and concerts. You can visit his villa, catch a concert at Troldsalen or host a private event. Read more about how to experience Grieg in Bergen.
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