May 17, 1814:
A national convention at Eidsvoll proclaims a constitution for Norway and Prince Christian-Frederik of Denmark is elected King. However, the country will soon be forced to accept union with Sweden. One of the delegates present is Edvard Hagerup, grandfather of Edvard Hagerup Grieg.
June 15, 1843:
Edvard Hagerup Grieg is born at 152 Strandgaden in Bergen, Kingdom of Norway, fourth of five children born to Alexander Grieg, a merchant and British consul at Bergen, and Gesine Judith Hagerup, pianist and daughter of a provincial governor and member of parliament.
April 1, 1853:
Edvard Grieg (9) becomes a student in Tank’s School in Bergen.
August 31, 1858:
After five years, Edvard Grieg (15) is taken out of Tank’s School in Bergen to pursue music.
October 6, 1858:
Edvard Grieg (15) officially enrolls in Leipzig Conservatory.
August 18, 1861:
Edvard Grieg (18) gives his first public concert, in Karlskrona, Sweden as he travels from Bergen to Leipzig.
April 12, 1862:
Edvard Grieg (18) performs his final examination concert for Leipzig Conservatory at the Gewandhaus. Among other things, he plays nos.1, 2, and 4 from his Four Piano Pieces op.1.
May 21, 1862:
Shortly after receiving his diploma from the Leipzig Conservatory, Edvard Grieg (18) gives his first public concert in Norway, at the Labor Union hall in Bergen. Among other things he plays three of his piano pieces op.1. The songs The Maid of the Mill op.2/1 and What Shall I Say? op.2/4, both to words of von Chamisso, and Ich denke Dein EG 302 to words of Goethe, are performed for the first time. His String Quartet in d minor is played for the first and last time. The response is good.
July 12, 1862:
Edvard Grieg (19) petitions King Karl IV for a stipend to travel and study. It will be denied.
April 27, 1863:
Rückblick EG 303 for chorus and piano by Edvard Grieg (19) is performed for the first time, in Bergen, directed by the composer.
June 4, 1864:
Three movements of Edvard Grieg’s (20) Symphony in c minor are performed for the first time, in Tivoli Concert Hall, Copenhagen. See 19 January 1865.
December 25, 1864:
Around this time, Edvard Grieg (21) is secretly engaged to his cousin, Nina Hagerup. When she learns of it, Nina’s mother remarks, “He is nothing and he has nothing and he writes music that nobody wants to listen to.”
January 19, 1865:
Edvard Grieg’s (21) Symphony in c minor is performed completely for the first time, in Bergen. See 4 June 1864.
January 24, 1865:
Clara’s Song EG124 for voice and piano by Edvard Grieg (21) to words of Schneider is performed for the first time, in the Casino-Theater, Copenhagen.
March 18, 1865:
Euterpe, an organization formed by two Norwegians and three Danes to promote contemporary Scandinavian music, gives its first performance in Copenhagen. The two Norwegians are Edvard Grieg (21) and Rikard Nordraak. A prologue, written by Hans Christian Andersen, is recited by the actor Alfred Finck. Andersen is the guest of honor.
April 1, 1865:
Edvard Grieg (21) conducts an orchestra in public for the first time, in Copenhagen.
November 2, 1865:
Edvard Grieg (22) leaves his seriously ill friend, Rikard Nordraak, in Berlin to perform in Leipzig. He promises to return.
December 2, 1865:
Edvard Grieg (22) and a companion depart Leipzig for Italy. Instead of returning to Berlin to be with his ailing friend, Rikard Nordraak as he promised, Grieg has decided to go south on the sojourn he and Nordraak had intended.
December 11, 1865:
Edvard Grieg (22) arrives in Rome from Leipzig.
December 24, 1865:
Edvard Grieg (22) meets Henrik Ibsen for the first time, in Rome.
December 31, 1865:
Edvard Grieg (22) and his friend Georg Bohlmann visit the Coliseum in Rome by moonlight. At first entranced, their imaginations get the better of them and they run from the place in fear. They then visit the Scandinavian Society but finding it too stuffy, stay only five minutes. After visiting a cafe the two reach their beds by 23:00, missing the new year.
January 4, 1866:
Stabat mater preciosa from Franz Liszt’s unperformed oratorio Christus is performed for the first time, in the Church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, Rome. Edvard Grieg (22) is there. He is not impressed.
January 17, 1866:
Violin Sonata no.1 by Edvard Grieg (22) is performed for the first time, in the Leipzig Gewandhaus, the composer at the piano.
March 20, 1866:
Rikard Nordraak, who along with Edvard Grieg (22) provided the vanguard of Norwegian composition, dies in Berlin.
April 6, 1866:
In Rome, Edvard Grieg (22) receives the news of the death of Rikard Nordraak, “the saddest news that could strike me.” He marks the date with a black cross in his diary and composes a funeral march.
April 9, 1866:
Edvard Grieg (22) and a Swedish friend leave Rome for a week-long trip to the region of Naples.
April 19, 1866:
After a stay of five months, Edvard Grieg (22) departs Rome for Leipzig.
April 26, 1866:
Edvard Grieg (22) arrives back in Leipzig after his trip to Italy and Switzerland.
May 3, 1866:
Edvard Grieg (22) reaches Berlin from Leipzig. While in the city he buys a copy of Berlioz’ (62) book on orchestration. While in the music store he asks for his own Humoresques but is told that the composer has so many friends in Berlin that they are sold out.
May 10, 1866:
Edvard Grieg (22) returns to Copenhagen from his sojourn in Italy and Germany.
September 26, 1866:
An advertisement appears in today’s issue of the Christiania Morgenbladet announcing that Edvard Grieg (23) will be available in the city for piano students beginning in mid-October.
October 10, 1866:
Edvard Grieg takes up residence in Christiania (Oslo).
October 15, 1866:
In Christiania (Oslo), a newly arrived Edvard Grieg (23) introduces himself and his music to the city in a concert where he performs his music with Nina Hagerup and Wilhelmine Norman Neruda. It is very successful.
December 12, 1866:
In the Christiania (Oslo) Morgenbladet, Norwegian composers Edvard Grieg (23) and Otto Winter-Hjelm lay out their plans for a music academy in the city. It will include a music school and training for teachers.
December 20, 1866:
Student Life, one of the Four Songs for Male Voices by Edvard Grieg (23) is performed for the first time, in Copenhagen.
January 14, 1867:
As a result of the work of Edvard Grieg (23) and Otto Winter-Hjelm, the Norwegian Academy of Music opens in Christiania (Oslo).
February 2, 1867:
Edvard Grieg (23) is the guest conductor for the first of three concerts with the Philharmonic Society of Christiania (Oslo).
June 11, 1867:
Edvard Grieg marries his cousin, the singer Nina Hagerup, in the Johanneskirke in Copenhagen, four days before his 24th birthday. None of the parents are present.
November 16, 1867:
Violin Sonata no.2 op.13 by Edvard Grieg (24) is performed for the first time, at the Christiania (Oslo) Music Academy, the composer at the keyboard. Also premiered are Grieg’s two songs for male choir, Evening Mood and The Bear-Hunter to words of Moe.
December 12, 1867:
Upon Rikard Nordraak’s Death: Tone Poem for Orchestra by Edvard Grieg (24) is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo), conducted by the composer.
December 24, 1867:
Edvard Grieg (24) and his wife spend Christmas Eve in Christiania (Oslo) with the great author and poet Bjørnsterne Bjørnson. He brings the first volume of his Lyric Pieces op.12 as a present and plays some of them for him. Bjørnson is so taken by the last one he resolves to write words for it. This will happen within two days.
May 17, 1868:
Cantata for the Unveiling of the WFK Christie Monument for male chorus and horns by Edvard Grieg (24) to words of Munch is performed for the first time, in Bergen.
November 12, 1868:
Serenade to Welhaven op.18/9 for male chorus by Edvard Grieg (25) to words of Bjørnson is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo), by a procession of students honoring their retiring professor, JS Welhaven. Also premiered is Grieg’s National Song op.12/8 to words of Bjørnson, arranged for male chorus.
December 29, 1868:
In Rome, Franz Liszt (57) writes a letter to Edvard Grieg (25) commending Grieg, especially his Violin Sonata no.1 op.8. Grieg will use the letter to assist his application for a government stipend to support his creative work. See 10 January 1869.
January 10, 1869:
Edvard Grieg (25) applies to the Norwegian Ministry of Education for a stipend to travel and time for creative work. He includes a recommendation from Franz Liszt (57). It will be granted, but not for a year-and-a-half.
April 3, 1869:
Concerto for piano and orchestra in a minor by Edvard Grieg (25) is performed for the first time, in the Casino, Copenhagen, in the presence of Queen Louise and Anton Rubinstein (39). A wildly appreciative audience interrupts the performance with applause between movements and after the first movement cadenza. The composer is in Christiania (Oslo).
October 3, 1869:
Dance from Jølster, Sofager and the Snake-King, and Peasant Dance from the 25 Norwegian Folksongs and Dances op.17 for piano by Edvard Grieg (26) are performed for the first time, in the Casino-Theater, Copenhagen by the composer. Also premiered is Grieg’s Moonlit Forest op.18/1 for voice and piano to words of Andersen by the composer and his wife.
November 28, 1869:
Edvard Grieg (26) and his wife travel south from Copenhagen making for Rome.
December 23, 1869:
Edvard Grieg (26) and his wife reach Rome on his second trip to Italy.
February 17, 1870:
Edvard Grieg (26) meets Franz Liszt (58) for the first time (at Liszt’s invitation), in Rome. Liszt sight-reads through some of Grieg’s music and is very encouraging to him.
April 9, 1870:
Edvard Grieg (26) writes from Rome to his parents, describing a recent meeting with Franz Liszt (58). Liszt sight-read Grieg’s Piano Concerto and told him “Hold to your course. Let me tell you, you have the talent for it, and--don’t get scared off!” Grieg considers this a “sacred mandate.”
August 2, 1870:
Norwegian Sailor’s Song EG163 for male chorus by Edvard Grieg (27) to words of Bjørnson is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo).
August 22, 1870:
Humoreske (In the Mountains) op.19/1 for piano by Edvard Grieg (27) is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo). Also premiered is Grieg’s The Odalisque EG 131 for voice and piano to words of Bruun.
September 20, 1870:
Two songs, The First Meeting and Good Morning! op.21/1-2, by Edvard Grieg (27) to words of Bjørnson, are performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo) by the composer and his wife.
September 19, 1871:
Bridal Procession op.19/2 for piano by Edvard Grieg (28) is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo).
October 14, 1871:
Edvard Grieg (28) along with several leading Norwegian artists, publishes an invitation to create a Music Association with the aim of establishing a permanent orchestra in Christiania (Oslo). See 2 December 1871.
February 22, 1872:
Edvard Grieg (28) is elected a member of the Royal Music Academy in Stockholm.
April 10, 1872:
Incidental music to Bjørnson’s play Sigurd Jorsalfar by Edvard Grieg (28) is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo). Criticism is mixed but the public is appreciative.
May 17, 1872:
Land Sighting for baritone, male chorus, and harmonium or organ by Edvard Grieg (28) to words of Bjørnson, is performed for the first time, in the Akershus fortress, to raise money for the restoration of Trondheim Cathedral.
November 30, 1872:
Before a Southern Convent op.20 for solo voices, female chorus, and orchestra by Edvard Grieg (29) to words of Bjørnson is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo), directed by the composer.
December 7, 1872:
To Springtime My Song I’m Singing op.21/3 for voice and piano by Edvard Grieg (29) to words of Bjørnson, is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo) by the composer and his wife.
October 28, 1873:
At Welhaven’s Grave EG165 for male chorus by Edvard Grieg (29) to words of Moe is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo).
January 23, 1874:
In Dresden, Henrik Ibsen writes to Edvard Grieg (30). He has decided to turn his dramatic poem Peer Gynt into a stage work and he wants Grieg to write incidental music for it. The composer will readily accept.
April 25, 1874:
Cantata for Karl Hals EG 164 for tenor, women’s chorus, chorus, and piano by Edvard Grieg (30) to words of Bjørnson is performed for the first time, in Christiania, directed by the composer.
June 2, 1874:
Edvard Grieg (30) receives a grant of 1,600 Norwegian kroner by the Parliament.
September 23, 1874:
At the Halfdan Kjerulf Statue, a cantata for tenor and male chorus by Edvard Grieg (31) to words of Munch, is performed for the first time, in Christiania.
February 24, 1876:
Incidental music to Ibsen’s play Peer Gynt by Edvard Grieg (32) is performed for the first time, for a performance of the play in Christiania (Oslo). Although neither author nor composer is present, it is an unqualified success. Says the composer of this music, “It reeks of cow turds.”
August 13, 1876:
A glittering array of political leaders and artists, including Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany and Emperor Pedro II of Brazil, gathers in Bayreuth for the opening of the Festspielhaus. Attending musicians include Franz Liszt (64), Anton Bruckner (51), Camille Saint-Saëns (40), Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (36), Edvard Grieg (33), and Arthur Foote (23). Friedrich Nietzsche is also there. The first production of the complete Der Ring des Nibelungen, Bühnenfestspiel für drei Tage und einen Vorabend, by Richard Wagner (63) to his own words opens in the Bayreuth Festspielhaus with a production of Das Rheingold.
April 18, 1877:
Edvard Grieg (33) petitions the Norwegian government for a grant to study dramatic music during his upcoming trip abroad. It will be denied.
October 29, 1878:
String Quartet no.1 op.27 by Edvard Grieg (35) is performed for the first time, in the concert hall of the Cologne Conservatory. The composer is present, participating in other sections of the program. It is a great success.
January 1, 1879:
Edvard Grieg (35) meets Johannes Brahms (45) for the first time, in Leipzig. Brahms gives him a handwritten copy of the first four bars of the second movement of his Violin Concerto.
April 5, 1879:
The Mountain Thrall op.32 for baritone, two horns, and strings by Edvard Grieg (35) to words of Landstat, is performed for the first time, in Copenhagen.
December 2, 1879:
Edvard Grieg (36) writes to Clara Schumann (60) introducing himself and asking her for letters to prepare a visit to England for him. She will be very helpful, but illness will cause him to cancel the trip.
February 4, 1880:
Improvisations on Two Norwegian Folksongs op.29 for piano by Edvard Grieg (36) is performed for the first time, in Copenhagen by the composer.
September 30, 1880:
Two Elegiac Melodies op.34 for string orchestra by Edvard Grieg (37) is performed for the first time, Bergen.
October 22, 1880:
Edvard Grieg (37) gives his first performance as conductor of Harmonien, the Bergen Symphony Orchestra.
June 6, 1882:
Edvard Grieg (38) is named Knight of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav by King Oscar II.
June 17, 1883:
Greetings to the Singers EG 170 for male chorus by Edvard Grieg (40) to words of Skavlan is performed for the first time, in Trondheim.
October 22, 1883:
A Cello Sonata in A op.36 by Edvard Grieg (40) is performed for the first time, in Dresden, the composer at the piano.
July 21, 1884:
Edvard Grieg (41) writes that he has just purchased a plot of land 10 km south of Bergen on Lake Nordås on which to build a home.
December 3, 1884:
The Holberg-Kantate by Edvard Grieg (41) to words of Rolfsen is performed for the first time, directed by the composer at the unveiling of a monument to the playwright Holberg in Bergen.
December 7, 1884:
From Holberg’s Time. Suite in Olden Style op.40 for piano by Edvard Grieg (41) is performed for the first time, in Bergen by the composer. See 12 March 1885.
March 12, 1885:
From Holberg’s Time. Suite in Olden Style op.40 for string orchestra by Edvard Grieg (41) is performed for the first time, in Bergen, directed by the composer.
October 24, 1885:
The Death of Åse from the Peer Gynt Suite no.1 by Edvard Grieg (42) is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo). See 1 November 1888.
November 3, 1885:
Bergliot, a melodrama with orchestra by Edvard Grieg (42) to words of Bjørnson, is performed for the first time, at the Christiania (Oslo) Theatre. It is a hit with critics and public.
December 10, 1887:
Violin Sonata no.3 op.45 by Edvard Grieg (44) is performed for the first time, in the Gewandhaus, Leipzig, the composer at the piano. Each movement receives applause.
December 24, 1887:
Edvard Grieg (44) invites Fritz (Frederick) Delius (25), Christian Sinding, and Johan Halvorsen to his home in Leipzig for Christmas Eve. Although seriously intoxicated, the participants spend most of the evening playing music for each other. Delius plays his Norwegische Schlittenfahrt.
February 11, 1888:
In Leipzig, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (47) awakens to the sound of a band playing the Russian national anthem below his window. He dines this day with Mr. and Mrs. Edvard Grieg (44) and Ethyl Smyth. Tomorrow he leaves for Prague.
April 23, 1888:
Edvard Grieg (44) and his wife depart Leipzig for his first concert engagements in England.
May 3, 1888:
Edvard Grieg (44) appears as pianist and composer with the Royal Philharmonic Society. He is soloist on his Piano Concerto. The performance is a stunning success.
May 22, 1888:
Edvard Grieg (44) and his wife leave London after his first performances in England. They intend to travel to Calais, Denmark, and home.
August 29, 1888:
Judith, an oratorio by Hubert Parry (40) is performed for the first time, in Birmingham. It is a smashing success which secures Parry’s already growing reputation with the public. Also premiered is In Autumn op.11, a concert overture by Edvard Grieg (45), 22 years after he wrote it.
November 1, 1888:
Peer Gynt Suite no.1 op.46 for orchestra by Edvard Grieg (45) is performed for the first time, in the Leipzig Gewandhaus. See 24 October 1885.
February 26, 1889:
Edvard Grieg (45) is appointed Knight of the Royal Danish Dannebrog Order.
March 22, 1889:
Edvard Grieg (45) and his wife Nina attend a soiree at the residence of the French ambassador in London. It is attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales and other royals, several members of the diplomatic corps and notable society personalities. Grieg plays some of his music with the violinist Johannes Wolff and Nina sings three Grieg songs, to the great delight of all present. The Prince and Princess of Wales invite the Griegs to Marlborough House.
August 29, 1889:
Edvard Grieg (46) signs a contract with CF Peters Musikverlag (dated 22 August). He gives them world publishing rights to all his future works.
October 6, 1889:
Edvard Grieg (46) writes to the poet Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, suggesting a reconciliation 14 years after their estrangement over Olav Trygvason. Grieg has revived the music he wrote for the text in 1875 and wants Bjørnson to be present for the premiere. See 13 October 1889.
October 13, 1889:
Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson replies to Edvard Grieg’s (46) letter of 6 October, gladly agreeing to reconcile. “You have the greatest lyric power of any musician living today.” He agrees to be present at the premiere of Grieg’s Olav Trygvason music.
October 19, 1889:
Edvard Grieg’s (46) incidental music to Olav Trygvason to words of Bjørnson is performed for the first time, in a concert setting, in Christiania (Oslo), conducted by the composer. See 26 October 1889.
October 26, 1889:
Edvard Grieg (46) conducts a second performance of his Olav Trygvason music in Christiania (Oslo), this time with the poet present. After five or six curtain calls, the composer shouts, “To this I have just one thing to say: Long live Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson.” To which the poet replies from the audience that he is proud to be a Norwegian, when we have a man who can write music like that. “Long live Edvard Grieg.” Also premiered are Grieg’s songs One Day, O Heart of Mine op.48/2 to words of Geibel, A Dream op.48/6 to words of Bodenstedt, Tell Me Now, Did You See the Lad op.49/1 to words of Drachmann, and Kind Greetings, Fair Ladies op.49/3 to words of Drachmann, the composer at the keyboard. See 19 October 1889.
October 29, 1889:
Two songs by Edvard Grieg (46) are performed for the first time, in Brødrene Hals’ Koncertsal, Christiania (Oslo): Greeting op.48/1 to words of Geibel, and The Time of Roses op.48/5 to words of Goethe.
October 18, 1890:
Two Melodies for string orchestra op.53 by Edvard Grieg (47) is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo) directed by the composer.
June 20, 1891:
Edvard Grieg (48) is elected a corresponding member of the French Académie des Beaux-Arts.
November 1, 1891:
At a contentious meeting of the Student Society in Christiania (Oslo), Edvard Grieg (48) advocates the removal of a symbol of the union with Sweden from the Norwegian flag. “I think the time has come to ask where our love really lies.”
November 1, 1891:
Old Norwegian Melody with Variations op.51 for piano four hands by Edvard Grieg (48) is performed for the first time, in Brødrene Hals’ Koncertsal, Christiania (Oslo). Grieg also premieres his Lyric Pieces op.54/1, 2, 4, and 5. See 21 February 1904.
November 14, 1891:
The Peer Gynt Suite no.2 for orchestra by Edvard Grieg (48) is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo), to celebrate 25 years since Grieg’s first appearance as a pianist in the city.
November 5, 1892:
Three Orchestral Pieces from Sigurd Jorsalfar op.56 by Edvard Grieg (49) is performed for the first time, in Christiania, directed by the composer.
May 17, 1893:
Song of the Flag EG 172 for male chorus by Edvard Grieg (49) to words of Brun is performed for the first time, in Trondheim and Christiania (Oslo).
June 12, 1893:
A concert celebrating tomorrow’s degree recipients takes place in Cambridge. Max Bruch conducts a scene from his choral work Odysseus, Camille Saint-Saëns (57) conducts his Fantasy L’afrique, Arrigo Boito (51) conducts the prologue from his Mefistofele, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (53) conducts his Francesca da Rimini, and Charles Villiers Stanford (40), the musical organizer of the festivities, conducts Edvard Grieg’s (49) Peer Gynt Suite no.1. Stanford finishes the concert by conducting his own East to West.
June 13, 1893:
Cambridge University confers honorary Doctor of Music degrees on Camille Saint-Saëns (57), Arrigo Boito (51), Max Bruch, Edvard Grieg (49), and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (53). Grieg is unable to attend due to illness.
October 5, 1893:
Lyric Pieces op.57 for piano by Edvard Grieg (50) is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo).
January 20, 1894:
Three of the Five Songs by Vilhelm Krag, a cycle for voice and piano op.60 by Edvard Grieg (50), is performed for the first time, in Copenhagen. Also premiered are Grieg’s songs To the Motherland op.58/2 and Autumn Farewell op.59/1 both to words of Paulsen.
May 10, 1894:
Edvard Grieg (50) receives his honorary doctorate from Cambridge University. He was awarded it last year but was too ill to attend the ceremony.
November 10, 1894:
Fatherland Hymn op.61/7 for voice and piano by Edvard Grieg (51), to words of Runeberg, is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo). See 26 April 1895.
January 21, 1895:
Edvard Grieg (51) is appointed Commander of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav by King Oscar II.
April 26, 1895:
Children’s Songs op.61 for voice and piano by Edvard Grieg (51) is performed completely for the first time, in Copenhagen, by the composer and his wife. See 10 November 1894.
October 12, 1895:
In Folk Style op.63/1 for string orchestra by Edvard Grieg (52) is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo), directed by the composer.
April 28, 1896:
Cow-call and Peasant Dance op.63/2 for string orchestra by Edvard Grieg (52) is performed for the first time, in Copenhagen, directed by the composer.
May 26, 1896:
Greetings from Christiania’s Singers EG 173 for baritone, double vocal quartet, and male chorus by Edvard Grieg (52) to words of Lie is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo).
December 4, 1896:
Ferruccio Busoni (30) performs the Piano Concerto of Edvard Grieg (53) in Christiania (Oslo) in the presence of the composer. He is compared to Anton Rubinstein(†1).
January 16, 1897:
Edvard Grieg (53) is elected a member of the Akademie der Künste in Berlin.
October 23, 1897:
Westerly Wind EG 173 for male chorus by Edvard Grieg (54) to words of Dahl is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo).
November 20, 1897:
Edvard Grieg (54) begins a month-long performing tour of Britain, in Liverpool.
November 30, 1897:
Edvard Grieg (54) makes his only concert appearance in Scotland, in Edinburgh.
June 26, 1898:
The first Bergen Music Festival opens in the Norwegian city. Edvard Grieg (55) has managed to convince the organizers to invite the Concertgebouw Orchestra. Their performances help to prove Grieg’s contention that a first class orchestra is necessary in Norway.
October 22, 1898:
Four songs from The Mountain Maid op.67, a cycle for voice and piano by Edvard Grieg (56) to words of Garborg, are performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo). See 4 February 1899.
January 30, 1899:
Ave maris stella for chorus EG150 by Edvard Grieg (55) is performed for the first time, in Copenhagen.
February 4, 1899:
Symphonic Dances op.64 for orchestra by Edvard Grieg (55) are performed for the first time, in Copenhagen.
November 2, 1899:
The Mountain Maid op.67, a cycle for voice and piano by Edvard Grieg (56) to words of Garborg, is performed completely for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo). See 22 October 1898.
March 23, 1901:
Five Songs op.69 and Five Songs op.70 for voice and piano by Edvard Grieg (57) to words of Benzon are performed for the first time, in Copenhagen, the composer at the keyboard. The critics are not impressed.
May 17, 1901:
To Ole Bull for male chorus by Edvard Grieg (57) to words of Welhaven is performed for the first time, at the unveiling of the Ole Bull statue in Bergen.
January 21, 1904:
Edvard Grieg (60) is awarded the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav by King Oscar II.
February 21, 1904:
Old Norwegian Melody with Variations op.51 for orchestra by Edvard Grieg (60) is performed for the first time, in the National Theatre, Christiania (Oslo). This is Grieg’s orchestration of his work for two pianos. See 1 November 1891.
June 7, 1905:
The Norwegian Storting votes for separation from Sweden. They request that King Oscar II provide a king for them from his family. King Oscar strongly protests the action. Edvard Grieg (61) is on a steamship between Christiania (Oslo) and Bergen when he hears the news. Thousands of demonstrators go to the royal palace in Stockholm to express their support for the King.
September 14, 1905:
In Bergen, Edvard Grieg (62) sends telegrams to two of his acquaintances, King Edward VII of Great Britain and Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. “I implore Your Majesty through arbitration to prevent the shame and disaster of a war between Norway and Sweden.”
November 28, 1905:
Welcoming festivities for the new King Haakon VII of Norway and Queen Maud conclude in Christiania (Oslo) with a performance of Sigurd Jorsalfar. At the conclusion the composer and poet, Edvard Grieg (62) and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson are called to the royal box. Grieg decides to begin a diary this night. “This first meeting with free Norway’s first King and Queen struck me as something beautiful and meaningful.”
December 6, 1905:
The Lyric Suite, an orchestration of some of his Lyric Pieces for piano, by Edvard Grieg (62) is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo) directed by the composer.
December 15, 1905:
Three of the Moods op.73 for piano by Edvard Grieg (62) are performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo).
April 5, 1906:
Edvard Grieg (62) leaves Christiania (Oslo) for a concert tour to Berlin, Leipzig, Prague, and Amsterdam.
April 11, 1906:
Edvard Grieg records six of his piano pieces onto rolls on a “Phonola electric piano” at Ludwig Hupfeld’s piano factory in Leipzig.
April 17, 1906:
Edvard Grieg (62) records three of his piano pieces onto rolls on a Welte-Mignon piano at Popper & Co. in Leipzig.
May 2, 1906:
Pablo Casals and Edvard Grieg (62) perform Grieg’s Cello Sonata op.36 at a chamber music concert in Amsterdam.
May 17, 1906:
After giving a concert in Queen’s Hall, Edvard Grieg (62) and his wife observe the first Constitution Day since the independence of Norway at a celebration at the Hotel Cecil, London given by the Norwegian Club. Fritjof Nansen and Norwegian diplomats are present. Nansen’s speech on the occasion moves Grieg to tears.
May 20, 1906:
Edvard Grieg (62) tells his diary about the performance of his music by Percy Grainger (23), “For the moment, there is no Norwegian who can do the same thing…It shows that we still don’t have a Norwegian who has the understanding to take on such assignments, and if such an understanding is not present where it should be, in the country itself, then it exists outside, yes, indeed in Australia, where the wonderful Percy Grainger was born…Great music can transcend the purely national level whilst, nevertheless, retaining its nationalistic roots.” (Bird, 133-134)
May 23, 1906:
Edvard Grieg (62), in London, receives news of the death of Henrik Ibsen. “How much I owe him...He was not a happy man, for it is as if he carried within him a chunk of ice that would not melt. But under this chunk lay a fervent love of mankind.”
May 28, 1906:
Edvard Grieg (62) is received by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra at Buckingham Palace. After telling Grieg he likes his music, the king proceeds to converse loudly while the composer plays.
May 29, 1906:
Edvard Grieg (62) receives an honorary DMus from Oxford University.
September 15, 1906:
At Troldhaugen, Edvard Grieg (63) completes three of the Four Psalms op.74. It is his last composition.
November 11, 1906:
Carl Nielsen’s (41) opera Maskarade, to words of Andersen after Holberg, is performed for the first time, at the Royal Theatre, Copenhagen, conducted by the composer. The dean of Scandinavian composers, Edvard Grieg (63), is present and is very pleased, as are the audience and critics.
April 12, 1907:
Prince Albert of Monaco is a guest at the Imperial Palace, Berlin. A luncheon today includes Camille Saint-Saëns (71), Jules Massenet (64), Edvard Grieg (63), and several other artistic personalities. Kaiser Wilhelm also attends.
April 26, 1907:
Edvard Grieg (63) appears at a public concert for the last time, in Kiel.
June 24, 1907:
Edvard Grieg (64) returns to his home Troldhaugen for the last time.
July 13, 1907:
Edvard Grieg’s (64) physical condition has deteriorated so much that he considers suicide but feels he does not have the courage.
September 3, 1907:
Edvard Grieg (64) arrives at Bergen from his home in Troldhaugen on his way to England. He is so weak that a doctor is called for. The composer is immediately admitted to Bergen Hospital.
September 4, 1907:
03:30 After sinking into a coma, Edvard Hagerup Grieg dies in the hospital at Bergen, Kingdom of Norway, aged 64 years, two months, and 20 days. The cause of death is listed as heart failure caused by emphysema. The doctors are amazed he lived as long as he did.
September 9, 1907:
Forty to fifty thousand people view the funeral cortege carrying the body of Edvard Grieg on its was through Bergen. The urn containing his ashes is placed in a cliff face at Troldhaugen, overlooking the lake.
January 22, 1908:
In a concert to honor the memory of Edvard Grieg (†0) in Copenhagen, the composer’s slow movement of his unfinished Piano Trio is performed for the first time. It has been 30 years since it was composed. Also premiered are the two completed movements of his String Quartet no.2, composed in 1891.
May 16, 1908:
Percy Grainger (25) enters a recording studio for the first time. He records, for the Gramophone Company (HMV), the Hungarian Rhapsody no.12 by Franz Liszt (†21), his own arrangement of Charles Stanford’s (55) Irish March-Jig—Maguire’s Kick, and the cadenza from the first movement of Edvard Grieg’s (†0) Piano Concerto.
October 8, 1908:
Edvard Grieg’s (†1) incomplete opera Szenen aus Olav Trygvason, to words of Bjørnson, is performed for the first time, in Christiania (Oslo).
November 14, 1915:
Enrique Granados (48) plays what will prove to be his final public performance at his home in Barcelona. He plays the a minor piano concerto of Edvard Grieg (†8).
May 14, 1934:
Leonard Bernstein (15) plays the first movement of the Piano Concerto of Edvard Grieg (†26) with the Boston Public School Symphony Orchestra at Roxbury High School.
October 2, 1963:
Nine Children’s Pieces EG 103 for piano by Edvard Grieg (†56) are performed for the first time, in the Music Department of the Bergen Public Library.
June 6, 1971:
Little Inga EG 168 for baritone and male chorus by Edvard Grieg (†63) is performed for the first time, in Bergen 70 years after it was composed.