A Symphonic Journey: Norway’s Suite to Nature
Norway
Edvard Grieg’s “Morning,” from the Peer Gynt Suite, calls up images of a sunrise over a majestic fjord, resonating with Norwegians who treasure their country’s natural beauty. In this exquisite piece, with a flute melody akin to birdsong, the world awakes and warms on a pristine morn.
Complete Video Script
Next, we travel north to Norway and a piece by Edvard Grieg.
In the 19th century, Norway was chafing under the thumb of Sweden, and you know Norwegians have a distinct need to be Norwegian apart from Swede. The cultural capital during this period was Bergen, way out in the west in fjord country. And the great writers and artists and musicians gathered there to be inspired by the natural beauty. Part of Romanticism and a part of nationalism is a love of nature, and Norwegians seeking freedom found inspiration in the awesome beauty of their homeland.
Grieg wrote this piece to accompany the play “Peer Gynt.” Peer Gynt was kind of a Norwegian Huck Finn whose misadventures were set mostly in scenic Norway. This piece evokes the beauty of Norwegian fjord country and the pride Norwegians feel for their way of life and for the beautiful corner of the world they call home.
Let's listen to “Morning” from Peer Gynt by Edvard Grieg from Norway.