Edvard Grieg and His Songs - Tapa dura

During his lifetime Edvard Grieg's songs were among his most popular and well-known works. Historians and critics have seen in them Grieg at his most sophisticated and innovative. Important in and of themselves, the songs also illuminate critical aspects of his other works such as his musical impressionism, his use of folk music as a source of inspiration, and his novel approach towards harmony. Fifty of Grieg's most important songs form the focus of this book. Each song is discussed individually and within the wider context of the composer's output. Sandra Jarrett provides a translation of the lyrics, an analysis of the poem and a description of the song's form, melody, tessitura, harmony, rhythm and accompaniment, together with suggestions for interpretation. In addition to this close examination of the chosen songs, the book gives a brief biography of Grieg and a chapter that analyzes his approach to song-writing. Of particular interest is the study of his wife Nina Grieg's voice and her significant influence upon the composition of her husband's songs.