EDVARD GRIEG (1843–1907)
Edvard Grieg was Norway’s preeminent Romantic composer, celebrated for fusing classical European training with the rich, modal folk traditions of his homeland. A master of short lyrical forms, Grieg published ten volumes of Lyric Pieces for solo piano between 1867 and 1901. In June 1892, Grieg and his wife, the soprano Nina Hagerup, celebrated their 25th (silver) wedding anniversary surrounded by close friends at the Fossli Hotel near the Vøringsfossen waterfall and at their beloved home, Troldhaugen ("Troll Hill"), built overlooking a fjord near Bergen.
To commemorate this silver jubilee, Grieg composed a joyful piano piece originally titled Gratulanterne kommer ("The Well-Wishers Are Coming"), later published as Bryllupsdag på Troldhaugen ("Wedding Day at Troldhaugen"), Op. 65, No. 6. The work opens with a festive, march-like main theme in D major depicting the energetic arrival of partygoers and well-wishers shouting congratulations to the celebrated couple. This robust opening gives way to a tender, contemplative middle section (Poco meno mosso)—a romantic, songlike duet that reflects the deep affection and shared journey of Edvard and Nina. The festive march then returns in triumph to close the piece. Soon arranged for full orchestra, Wedding Day at Troldhaugen stands as Grieg’s joyful tribute to love, home, and Norwegian heritage.
The composer Gottfried Huppertz published his orchestration of Wedding Day in 1930.