Nationalism in Edvard Grieg’s Original Harmonic Language

July 2, 2022.Reading time 18 minutes.

Introduction: Grieg and Nationalism Edvard Grieg (1843-1907), one of Norway’s most famous composers, conveyed his love for his homeland through his music. This type of national pride in music is known as nationalism, where composers use musical ideas (themes/motifs, melodies, rhythms, harmonies, etc.) that are identified with a specific country, region, or ethnicity. Grieg’s music […]

Finlandia: A Poem of Protest

August 6, 2016.Reading time 6 minutes.

Background In 1808, the Russian Empire marched into Finland and overthrew its Swedish rule. By the end of 1809, Finland had become subject to Russian rule and remained so until 1917. I certainly wouldn’t be happy if the Russian Empire declared itself ruler over my country, so it’s no surprise that Finland wasn’t very happy […]