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Edvard and Nina

Donald Macleod examines the relationship between Grieg and his wife Nina. Although it became strained to breaking point, their musical partnership always remained intact.

By the 1880s, the strain in Grieg's relationship with his wife Nina was beginning to tell. In recent years, Grieg had had a series of extra-marital affairs, and at the beginning of 1886 he nearly left Nina for a 26-year old painter. It can't have helped the stability of their relationship that Edvard and Nina spent much of their lives living out of suitcases, travelling and giving concerts throughout Europe. But for all their marital difficulties, the husband and wife team made the perfect musical partnership. Nina was both his inspiration and the ideal interpreter of his songs. Donald Macleod introduces Grieg's only song cycle - the folk-inspired Haugtussa, and the ever-popular suite for string orchestra dedicated to the 18th century dramatist Ludwig Holberg.

1 hour

Last on

Thu 24 May 2012 18:30

Music Played

  • Edvard Grieg

    12 Songs Op.33

    Performer: Anne Sofie von OTTER - Mezzo-soprano Performer: Bengt FORSBERG - Piano

    • DG.
    • 4375212.
  • Edvard Grieg

    Holberg suite Op.40 vers. for string orchestra

    Conductor: Neeme JARVI Performer: Gothenburg S O.

    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOP.
    • 437 520-2-.
  • Edvard Grieg

    Lyric pieces - book 5 Op.54 for piano

    Performer: Einar STEEN-NOKLEBERG - Piano

    • NAXOS.
    • 8.-553395.
  • Edvard Grieg

    Haugtussa Op.67 for voice and piano

    Performer: Anne Sofie von OTTER - Mezzo-soprano Performer: Bengt FORSBERG - Piano

    • DG RECORDS.
    • 437 521-2.

Broadcasts

  • Thu 24 May 2012 12:00
  • Thu 24 May 2012 18:30

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