Profile of the Day: Edvard Grieg

Posted June 15, 2023 by Amanda | No Comment

Today we remember Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, who was born on this day in 1843. Considered one of the leading Norwegian composers of the Romantic Era, Grieg successfully brought the music of Norway to international audiences.

Image: Edvard Grieg / Bergen Public Library Norway, Flickr

Grieg was born on June 15, 1843 in Bergen, Norway to Alexander Greig, a merchant and vice-consul in Bergen, and Gesine Judithe Hagerup, a music teacher. Grieg grew up in a very musical family. At the age of six, he was taught to play the piano by his mother and showed a clear talent for music. His family helped cultivate his passion and by 15, he was sent to study music at the Leipzig Conservatory. In 1861, he made his debut as a concert pianist in Karlshamn, Sweden.

On June 11, 1867, Grieg married Nina Hagerup, a lyric soprano and his first cousin. The couple had only one child, Alexandra, who died in 1869 at the age of one of meningitis.

Grieg spent many years of his life touring Europe and his music captivated audiences around the world. He incorporated Norwegian style of folk music into his compositions, many of which were inspired by the landscapes and way of life of the people around him. Today he is often regarded as one of Norway’s greatest composers.

Explore Edvard Grieg’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re related to the composer!