Grieg: Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Radio Filharmonisch Orkest & Sir Mark Elder - Live concert HD

[@LucienMarine]

The Suite No. 1, Op. 46, was written in 1888 and structured in four movements. The first movement of the suite is entitled « Morning Mood », and it is one of Grieg's best-known compositions. It begins with a beautiful flute solo that builds into the main theme, which is then taken up by the oboe. The strings play a simple accompaniment and the whole atmosphere is dominated by this theme of nature. Even without its title, this piece depicts a strong sound of nature and the natural landscape, and you can really hear Grieg's roots in the rural land. The second movement of this suite is titled « Aaes’s Death » and it is a very big change in tone from the previous movement. This one begins with the strings playing block chords together, which sets the somber tone for the rest of the piece. Although terribly sad, this movement is absolutely magnificent and Grieg's masterful string writing is emphasized and used to the fullest here. The movement ends with tonic chords played with a pause between them, which creates a very creepy feeling in its conclusion. The third part represents a seductive dance that emphasizes grace and beauty acting as a fun and playful scherzo to the suite. The idea of grace can certainly be heard with the mix of pizzicato (bowed) strings playing at the same time. The movement ends again with a tonic chord after a rapid ascending string sequence and a higher octave. The final movement is the essential « In the Hall of the Mountain King » which is an instantly recognizable Grieg melody. This passage depicts an unusual dance of gnomes, who in the story are actually chasing Peer Gynt, which is why when the recognizable melody is played repeatedly, it becomes more and more aggressive. The melody is transmitted throughout the orchestra and there is hardly a moment when not a single instrument is playing this theme. The extensive use of the bass sections of the orchestra and the bass of the upper winds make this a very exciting piece and the use of percussion, particularly cymbals makes « the chase » even more anticipatory. The entire movement is crafted from this single melodic cell and the beauty of it is that Grieg's use of dynamic variation and orchestration makes the piece coyly iconic in its own right. It is an brilliant composition that fits wonderfully into the themes of the piece itself. A writing that I knew in literature in my past youth. *Lucien*

[@SilvioNobre]

❤️❤️❤️

[@villafloridiana]

Beautiful music👍🏽. The director looks like Hannibal Lecter - Hopkins🤣