Nathaniel Joseph H.

Ortiz
Assignment 3 – Piano Literature 3

Edvard Grieg
(1843 – 1907)

About the composer

 Born in Bergen, on the west coast of Norway.
 Was sent to the Conservatory in Leipzig, at the age of fifteen to receive his musical
education.
 From Leipzig Grieg travelled to Copenhagen, bringing with him the solid musical
training he had acquired, and there soon become known as a promising young composer.
 His used and development of Norwegian folk music in his own compositions put the
music of Norway in the international spectrum, as well as helping to develop a national
identity.
 Died because of Heart Failure

Lyric Pieces is a collection of 66 short pieces for solo piano. Published in 10 albums, from 1867
(Op. 12) to 1901 (Op. 71).

Book 1, Op. 12

A.) Historical Context of the piece

Published in the year 1867 by Chr. E. Horneman in Copenhagen.

B.) Why and how it was composed

Op. 12 No. 6 – Norwegian Melody in the key of D Major, ¾ time signature and in ABA
Form. To describe one of the Scandinavian Dance called “Bygdanser” or also know as
Villege Dance. In, Norway, the dances are said to be in a living tradition. The piece has a
monotonous motif, a combination of eight notes and triplets. The middle part B section
went to the parallel minor of its home key. D minor melody is also monotonous but
different from the A motif. It ends in the original key of D Major and using the A motif.

References:
http://www.allmusic.com/composition/arietta-lyric-piece-for-piano-op-12-1-mc0002498422
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyric_Pieces