Bakfast Jams: Edvard Grieg

Good morning! 

Today we're listening to a fantastic piece of music by a composer named Edvard Grieg. 

This piece is: 

  • Slow

  • Dramatic

  • Powerful

  • A great use of string instruments

Grab your morning glass of orange juice and let's get listening!

 
 

The Story of Peer Gynt

Grieg took a very very old story from Norway and set it to music. The story is about the adventures of a boy who gets into a lot of trouble by making up stories that aren't true. Ironically, each time he makes up a story to get out of trouble, he finds himself in new and worse situations - and his stories have to become more and more elaborate! His name was Peer Gynt. Edvard Grieg set the music of his story in ways that are colorful, dramatic, and engaging - fun for listeners of any age. If you haven't had a chance to listen to the work yet I'm so happy to introduce you to it!

I chose this song for Breakfast Jams this morning for a few reasons: 

  1. Tempo: Right off the bat you'll notice that this tempo is incredibly slow. Try tapping the steady beat on your leg along with your child and you'll see what I mean. We rarely listen to music this slow so it's a great way to give our ears some contrast.

  2. Dynamics: Dynamics are how loud and quiet music is. When you start listening you'll notice that the music is extremely quiet. But wait. Skip ahead and you'll ear that the music has grown to be very loud. Again, what a great way to give our ears some contrast!

  3. Step... Step... Gliiiiiiiide: Most importantly, I chose this song for the rhythm.

Step... Step... Gliiiiiiide

Can you find the "step.. step.. gliiiide" pattern in the music? It happens throughout the entire piece. 

Listen to Aase's Death from Edvard Grieg's Peer Gynt and glide along. Consider how your movement might change as the song grows louder. Will your dance get bigger? Will you change the pattern to leap, leap, gliiiiiide? Let me know! 

Enjoy dancing this long gliiiiiide, courtesy of composer Edvard Grieg. In upcoming posts we'll be using the long glide to do several things.

  • You'll learn its name

  • Discover it in a new song

  • use it to create some music of your own

  • Learn how to read and write it.

 
 

Keep dancing, singing, and making music. 

- Victoria