Discover the Story Behind Grieg's "Morning"

If you've ever heard a piece of music that instantly made you think of a peaceful sunrise, there's a good chance it was "Morning" by the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Its beautiful, gentle melody is famous around the world for evoking a sense of calm and the serene beauty of nature. But this famous tune has a fascinating story that might surprise you.

Who Was Edvard Grieg?

So, who was the composer behind this iconic piece? Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) was a celebrated composer from Norway, and "Morning" is one of his most beloved and enduring works.

A Song for a Play: The Story of Peer Gynt

"Morning" wasn't originally written as a standalone concert piece. Grieg composed it as part of the music for a play called Peer Gynt, written by the famous playwright Henrik Ibsen. The play, with Grieg's music, was first performed in 1876.

What is the play about?

Inspired by a Norwegian folktale, Peer Gynt tells the story of a young, boastful, and lazy Norwegian peasant. The play follows him on a fantastical journey of self-discovery as he travels the world, encountering strange characters and situations.

Where does "Morning" fit in?

You might imagine this music painting a picture of a sunrise over the Norwegian fjords, but its original setting is quite different. The music is played during Act IV, Scene 1, as the sun rises over the desert in North Africa.

What Makes "Morning" Sound So Peaceful?

The peace and serenity of "Morning" are no accident; they are carefully crafted through Grieg's brilliant use of melody and instrumentation. In the original orchestral version, Grieg creates a light and airy texture by giving the main melody to instruments like flutes and oboes.

• The Original Piece: The orchestral version is written in 6/8 time, which gives it a flowing, lilting feel. It is in the key of E major.

• Simpler Versions: To make the piece accessible for new musicians, simpler versions are often written in 3/4 time and in the key of G major.

Test Your Knowledge!

See what you've learned! Answer these questions based on the article.

Bring your correct answers to your next lesson and receive an extra gem.

1. Who is the original composer of "Morning"?

   • Henrik Ibsen

   • Edvard Grieg

   • Peer Gynt

     
     

2. The music for "Morning" was written for which play?

   • A Norwegian Folktale

   • The Desert Sunrise

   • Peer Gynt

     
     

3. Which instruments are mentioned as often carrying the main melody in the original piece?

   • Pianos and Violins

   • Flutes and Oboes

   • Drums and Trumpets

An AI generated image of Grieg