Description
The final piece of Book VIII of the Lyric Pieces, Op. 65. Troldhaugen was the name of the house Grieg built outside Bergen, where he spent his later years. Written in 1896, the piece is understood to celebrate his own silver wedding — a private occasion turned directly into music.
A quiet theme approaches like a procession coming into earshot, growing louder as it arrives. The middle section turns aside into a gentle melody that suggests the couple alone, before the festal march returns for a brilliant close. Over 3,800 notes fill more than six minutes, making it the largest piece in the Lyric Pieces.
Its advanced rating reflects the sustained repeated chords and octaves. The festive sections are thickly written, and forcing them muddies the sound: sound them with arm weight rather than striking from the fingers. In the middle section drop the volume sharply to create the contrast. How the plan — something approaching from far off and receding again — is realised through the budgeting of volume is the key to the performance.
A lifelong project by Grieg spanning 10 books and 66 pieces, reflecting Norwegian landscapes and folk music throughout.
Browse all songs in Lyric Pieces →Sheet Music
Sheet music provided by Mutopia Project
About the Composer
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)
Edvard Grieg was a composer from Bergen, Norway, and a leading figure of musical nationalism who drew on Nordic folk music. Widely known for his incidental music to Peer Gynt and his Piano Concerto in A minor, he also wrote the Lyric Pieces, a lifelong series of intimate, folk-inspired piano miniatures. This site includes 6 of his works, such as "Wedding Day at Troldhaugen" and "March of the Dwarfs."
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