General Introduction

This work, Op. 1, was composed by Grieg when he was 18 years old, between 1861 and the following year. It is a character piece that bears the hallmarks of the tradition of Schumann and Mendelssohn. Notably, in the same year he composed this work, Grieg held his debut concert in Sweden, featuring works by Mendelssohn and Schumann.

No. 1

The first piece is an Allegro con leggerezza written in D major. The lower voice in the right hand spins out the melody, above which arpeggiated chords are figured. The melody carried by the lower voice in the right hand occasionally forms a duet with the low voice in the left hand.

No. 2

The second piece is a Non Allegro e molto espressivo. Written polyphonically, this piece interweaves contrary motion between voices and parallel motion forming intervals of thirds or sixths. Furthermore, it is characterized by chromatically rich melodic movement, which results in a profound harmonic texture. The middle section, Allegro capriccioso, features intricate design in its details, such as occasional rests and specific melodic figures.

No. 3

The third piece is explicitly titled "Mazurka" ("Mazurka con grazia"). This piece features passages with sixteenth-note octaves and triplets, demanding not only the expression of the mazurka rhythm but also techniques deeply related to pianism. Consequently, Grieg's indication "con grazia" seems almost poignantly apt. In the middle section, the mazurka rhythm unfolds through hemiola.

No. 4

The fourth piece is an Allegretto con molto. Following the Mazurka, this piece, though not explicitly titled, is characterized by a polonaise rhythm. Whenever a musical element is reused, it is almost invariably elaborated upon. Furthermore, it is skillfully constructed through elements such as counter-melodies, pedal points, and chromatic melodic movement.