Edvard Grieg’s Holberg Suite

Edvard Grieg wrote From Holberg’s Time, Op. 40, in 1884. The work, popularly known as the Holberg Suite, was described by Grieg as a “suite in the old style.” As a tribute to Holberg, Grieg drew inspiration from the French Baroque dance suite, with movements such as prelude, sarabande, and gavotte. He combines these forms with a Romantic musical language and his own distinctive lyrical voice. The result is an elegant and refined homage to Holberg’s era, seen through Grieg’s national romantic lens.

Grieg himself performed the suite in many of his concerts until his death. The piano on which he most likely composed it, a Brødrene Hals piano, is on display in the composer’s hut just below Troldsalen. Here, you can experience concerts that are intimate, vivid, and performed live by young award winning pianists.