Grieg Andante Molto Tranquillo from Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 36 for Double Bass& Piano

Edvard Grieg was a well known Norwegian composer around the world. In his compositions he often got ideas from local folksongs/dances as well as from the beautiful Norwegian natural landscape. The famous Norwegian violin virtuoso, Ole Bull, once told Grieg’s parents about the young Edvards musical talent and strongly recommended a music education in Leipzig, Germany. So Edvard Grieg (16) and his brother John (19) studied at the Mendelsohn Academy of music in Leipzig, Germany for three years. Edvard’s international success as a composer started after the world premiere of his Piano Concerto.

Edvard Grieg was Music Director ofThe Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra (Harmonien concert society) from 1880 to 1882. As a temporary measure he and his wife Nina lived in his parents home (both died in 1875) , now occupied by his 3 years older brother John. They studied together, but John later decided against a cello career in order to enter the family firm in Bergen.

So there is surely no coincidence that Edvard Grieg’s Cello Sonata, op. 36 is dedicated to his brother John, and was composed from 1882 til the end of 1883. The original title of the sonata is: Sonata in a minor for piano and cello (violoncello), indicating the important function of the piano part. Grieg’s excellent talent in voicing a rich “orchestrated” piano part gave cleaness to the cello. The first performance was in Dresden October 1883 with Friedrich Grutzmacher, cello and Grieg. Only a few days later it was premiered in Leipzig with Julius Cling, cello and the composer. Grieg’s last performance was with the young Pablo Casals in Amsterdam in May 1906. Grieg wrote for the pianist “la melodia ben tenuta, sempre legato”. I have tried to give the bass part the same cantilene function as the cello.