Presents
Edvard Grieg
Andante con moto in c minor for Piano Trio
Edvard Grieg (1843—1907) needs no introduction. He is Norway’s most famous composer and is widely considered one of the foremost Romantic era composers. Much of his music is part of the standard classical repertoire. His use ofNorwegian folk music in his own compositions brought the music of Norway to fame, as well as helping to develop a national identity, much as Jean Sibelius did in Finland and Bedhch Smetana in Bohemia.
In 1878, Grieg began work on a piano trio but only managed to complete one movement, the Andante con moto in c minor. The manuscript was discovered posthumously by Grieg's Dutch colleague and close friend of many years, Julius Rőntgen. Upon examining it, Julius Rontgm wrote:
“It is a beautiful piece and complete in order.What solemnity it conveys. Even in the major mode, it retains its mournful character and then so beautifully develops its full power. It can stand by itself and does not at all give the impression of being a fragment, as it constitutes a perfect entity in itself.”
Rőntgen noted the mono thematic nature of the movement and called it a dramatic narrative with austere constraints. Using a single powerful theme of just six notes, Grieg introduced variety by changing the key, harmony, rhythm, tempo, instrumentation and texture, but not the theme. The theme is also fragmented into motifs during a very dramatic part of the development which then leads to a powerful climax.
This piece is long enough to serve as a concert choice where a short work is required. It is sure to make an indelible impression on the audiences which get a chance to hear it.
Parts: $19.95
