Grieg's music for Peer Gynt – a treasure trove for 150 years
Photo and music presentation by Liv and Torkil Baden
In 2026, it will be 150 years since Henrik Ibsen's Peer Gynt premiered at the Christiania Theater with music by Edvard Grieg. Peer Gynt's music is highly regarded by a large audience, including internationally, and is part of our shared global musical heritage.
Torkil Baden's new book Edvard Grieg – nasjonal og internasjonal delves deeply into this musical national treasure and its background. The lecture with images and music is linked to movements from the incidental music, such as Morning Mood, In the Hall of the Mountain King and Solveig's Song.
Grieg struggled with the material, which he called “unworkable.” We also hear about the collaboration between Ibsen and Grieg and how the music dramaturgically redeems the drama.
Theater directors in recent times have often believed that Grieg's national romantic music does not suit Ibsen's socially critical text. We also hear about Mrs. Nina, who gave up her own career, and about the life and relationship of the artist couple Grieg.
The lecture is accompanied by many pictures from Nina and Edvard Grieg's colorful life.
Practical information:
- Doors open 30 minutes before the start of the event
- Eker Gård is open from 11 a.m. - with gallery and refreshments
- Parking available at Eker Farm and Lidar School
Photo: Henrik Ibsen letter to Grieg, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
