Grieg - Lyrical Pieces for piano- any favourites?

[rojo]

I`ve been using some of these pieces for my students lately; they`re absolutely charming. I`m using Op.12 No.4 Elfentanz (Elfin-dance, or Fairy-dance,) and Op.12 No.2 Waltzer (Waltz.) I`ve got the urge to play through them all now! :grin:

 

[Ouled Nails]

I'll mention a few. The piece "Notturno" op. 54, no.4, begins as though drawn from or inspired by one of Chopin's nocturnes but soon enters a sound world which anticipates Debussy's Clair de lune. In fact, I'm not sure when it was composed and it may have been contemporary to Debussy's early impressionistic music. The piece "Bells", op. 54, no.6, while more "literal" than Debussy's Cathédrale engloutie, nevertheless strikes me as also expressing this kind of early (pre)impressionist poetry.

 

[rojo]

Interesting. I`ll have to check that out...

 

[rojo]

Did a bit of digging. The Grieg Lyrical Pieces were published in 10 volumes from 1867-1901. Debussy`s Clair de Lune was written in 1905. So what you said earlier is entirely possible. Must give that Nocturne a listen to confirm, but judging from other Grieg works, I`m thinking you`re probably right.

Haven`t checked the dates on the other two yet, but I`m assuming the case is similar...