Composer

:

Edvard Grieg

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Theme & Variations

Compose Date

:

1890

Publication Date

:

1906

Average_duration

:

22:27

Movement_count

:

15

Movement ....

Edvard Grieg's 'Old Norwegian Romance with Variations for orchestra, Op. 51' was composed in 1896 and premiered on February 22, 1897, in Christiania (now Oslo), Norway. The piece consists of a theme and six variations, with a coda at the end. The theme is a simple, melancholic melody played by the strings, which is reminiscent of traditional Norwegian folk music. The first variation features the woodwinds, who play a more lively and playful version of the theme. The second variation is a duet between the oboe and the clarinet, who play a slower and more expressive version of the theme. The third variation is a waltz, with the strings playing a more upbeat and dance-like version of the theme. The fourth variation features the brass section, who play a majestic and triumphant version of the theme. The fifth variation is a scherzo, with the woodwinds and strings playing a fast and playful version of the theme. The final variation is a grand finale, with the entire orchestra playing a powerful and majestic version of the theme. The coda brings the piece to a close with a reprise of the original theme, played by the strings. Overall, 'Old Norwegian Romance with Variations for orchestra, Op. 51' is a beautiful and evocative piece of music that showcases Grieg's skill as a composer. The variations on the theme are varied and interesting, and the piece as a whole is a wonderful tribute to Norwegian folk music.

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