A "masterpiece" that holds a significant position not only among Grieg's works but also among piano concertos of all time. It is dedicated to his close friend, Edmund Neupert, who premiered it the year after its completion.

An anecdote recounts that Franz Liszt played the work at sight and highly praised it, and the version commonly used today is said to reflect Liszt's advice from that time. Furthermore, its similarities to Schumann's Concerto in A minor are often pointed out. These two pieces are frequently paired together in recordings.

First Movement

The first movement is in A minor, marked Allegro molto moderato. It is written in 4/4 time. It begins with a timpani tremolo, immediately followed by the piano unfolding a passage in octaves. This passage already hints at a Norwegian sensibility. The first theme that follows consists of a light orchestral melody and a melody full of vocal quality. The contrasting second theme is presented by the cello.

Second Movement

The second movement is written in D-flat major, an enharmonic equivalent of the key a major third above the first movement's tonic. This Adagio movement is in 3/8 time and takes the form of a three-part song form (Liedform). Muted strings begin to sing a melody rich in Norwegian sentiment. After the delicate music of the middle section, the piano takes prominence and sings out in the recapitulation. It leads directly into the next movement via an attacca.

Third Movement

The third movement is marked Allegro moderato molto e marcato. It is written in the same key as the first movement, A minor, and takes the form of a free rondo-sonata form in 2/4 time. After a march-like introduction, it begins with a piano cadenza. The first theme, reminiscent of a Norwegian dance, is presented by the piano. In the middle section, the flute sings a particularly lyrical and pastoral melody. Subsequently, after a sudden acceleration to quasi presto, it transitions to Andante maestoso, leading to a majestic finale.