Norwegian Dances

In 1883 Grieg composed 'The Norwegian Dances'. Like all of Grieg's best music, the 'Norwegian Dances' are filled with achingly beautiful tunes set to supple chromatic harmonies, joyously festive tunes above cheerful rhythms, and the occasional faux-frightening tunes with skittering harmonies. At least two sections of the dances - the cheerful opening of the first dance and insouciant opening of the second - are nearly as well-known as the first 'Peer Gynt Suite' or the 'Holberg Suite.