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Piano Concerto (Grieg)

arts Maturity 11-13 Next article →

The Piano Concerto in A minor is a very famous piece of music.

It was written by the composer Edvard Grieg in 1868. Grieg was only 24 years old when he finished it. This was the only concerto he ever completed. People all over the world still love to listen to it today. A typical performance of this music lasts about 30 minutes. It is a very important part of his musical history.

The music is divided into three parts called movements. The first movement starts with a loud drum roll. This leads to a fast and dramatic part for the piano. The second movement is slow and lyrical in D major. The third movement is very energetic and fast. It uses a theme that sounds like a Norwegian dance called the halling. It even sounds like a folk fiddle from Grieg's home country.

Grieg wrote this masterpiece while visiting Søllerød, Denmark. He went there to enjoy the local climate. He was influenced by the composer Robert Schumann. Grieg had heard Schumann's music played in Leipzig in 1858. He also used musical ideas from Norwegian folk music. The opening piano part uses a special pattern from his home. This pattern is a falling minor second and a falling major third.

A large group of instruments plays this concerto. It needs a solo piano and many other players. The group includes two flutes and two oboes. There are also two clarinets and two bassoons. The orchestra has four horns and two trumpets. It also uses three trombones and timpani drums. The strings include violins, violas, cellos, and double basses.

This work has a very long and interesting history. It was the first piano concerto ever to be recorded. Wilhelm Backhaus recorded it in 1909. The music has appeared in many movies and video games. It was even used in a pop song called "Asia Minor" in 1961. Some comedians have even used the music for funny sketches.

Even though Grieg died years ago, his music stays alive through these many uses.

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