Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)

Edvard Grieg was a Norwegian composer and pianist, widely regarded as one of the leading figures of the Romantic era in music. Born in Bergen, Norway, Grieg showed a talent for music at an early age, and he received his formal training in Leipzig, Germany. Throughout his career, he remained deeply connected to the music and culture of his homeland, incorporating traditional Norwegian folk music into many of his compositions.

Grieg's music is characterized by its lyricism, harmonic richness, and use of folk melodies and rhythms. He was particularly adept at writing for the piano, and his many piano works, such as the Lyric Pieces, remain staples of the repertoire. Grieg was also an accomplished orchestral composer, and his Peer Gynt suite and Piano Concerto in A minor are among his most famous works.

In addition to his compositional output, Grieg was also a celebrated pianist, known for his virtuosic performances of his own music as well as the works of other composers. He toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States, earning widespread acclaim for his performances.

Today, Grieg's music continues to be celebrated for its beauty, emotional depth, and connection to Norwegian folk traditions. His influence can be heard in the work of many composers who came after him, and his legacy remains an important part of the musical culture of Norway and beyond.

Old Norwegian Melody with Variations, Op. 51

Old Norwegian Melody with Variations is a composition by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, originally written for solo piano in 1890. The piece was later orchestrated by Grieg himself, and it is this version that is commonly performed by orchestras today.

The work consists of a theme and eight variations based on a traditional Norwegian folk melody. Grieg's orchestration enhances the beauty of the original piano version, with the full orchestra bringing out the rich textures and colors of the music. The work is scored for a standard orchestra, with strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion all playing important roles.

Each variation explores a different aspect of the melody, with Grieg showcasing his skill as a composer through his use of orchestration and harmony. The variations range in character from the delicate and introspective to the lively and rhythmic, with Grieg masterfully building momentum towards the final variation.

Old Norwegian Melody with Variations is a beautiful and evocative work that showcases Grieg's ability to seamlessly blend folk music with classical forms. The orchestral version brings out the full range of colors and textures in the music, creating a lush and captivating sound world. Grieg's deep connection to Norwegian folk music is evident throughout the piece, making it a quintessential example of the Romantic era in Norway.

Aus Holberg’s Zeit, Op. 40

Aus Holberg's Zeit is a composition by the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, written in 1884. The piece, which translates to "From Holberg's Time," is a suite of five movements written in the style of eighteenth-century dance music.

The work is scored for string orchestra and opens with a stately and regal prelude. This is followed by a lively and playful allemande, which showcases Grieg's skill at creating catchy, memorable melodies. The third movement is a melancholy and introspective sarabande, while the fourth movement is a graceful and charming gavotte. The suite concludes with a lively and exuberant rigaudon.

Throughout the work, Grieg pays homage to the music of the Baroque era, while also infusing the music with his own distinctive voice. The suite is characterized by its elegant melodies, graceful rhythms, and subtle harmonic shifts, all of which showcase Grieg's mastery of orchestration and form.

Aus Holberg's Zeit is a charming and delightful work that captures the spirit of the eighteenth century while also showcasing Grieg's unique musical voice. The suite has become a staple of the string orchestra repertoire, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless beauty and grace.\

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was a German composer and pianist, widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of Western classical music. Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany, and began his musical studies with his father at an early age. He later studied with notable musicians such as Christian Gottlob Neefe and Joseph Haydn.

Beethoven's music is characterized by its emotional intensity, innovative use of harmony and form, and its revolutionary approach to the role of the composer in society. He was a key figure in the transition from the Classical to the Romantic era, and his influence can be heard in the works of countless composers who came after him.

Throughout his career, Beethoven struggled with his hearing, eventually becoming completely deaf in his later years. Despite this, he continued to compose some of his most important works, including his Ninth Symphony, which features a choral finale that has become an anthem of universal brotherhood.

Beethoven's legacy has been enduring, and his influence on the development of Western classical music cannot be overstated. His works continue to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences around the world, and his place in the pantheon of great composers is secure.

Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61

Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D Major is one of the most beloved works in the violin repertoire. It was written in 1806 and is considered to be one of the greatest violin concertos ever composed. The concerto is a stunning display of virtuosity and musical expression, showcasing Beethoven's ability to write music of great depth and beauty.

The work is structured in three movements, with the first movement beginning with a long and introspective orchestral introduction before the solo violin enters with a lyrical and expressive theme. The violin's melody is developed throughout the movement, with Beethoven demonstrating his skill in writing for the instrument through a series of technical challenges and virtuosic passages.

The second movement is a slow and contemplative adagio, featuring a hauntingly beautiful melody that is passed back and forth between the violin and orchestra. This movement is considered by many to be one of the most sublime pieces of music ever written.

The third movement is a lively and joyous rondo, featuring a spirited and energetic theme that is developed throughout the movement. Beethoven showcases his mastery of form in this movement, as he seamlessly weaves together the various themes and motifs to create a thrilling and satisfying conclusion to the concerto.

Beethoven's Violin Concerto is a work of tremendous depth and beauty, featuring some of the most exquisite music ever written for the violin. The concerto has become a cornerstone of the violin repertoire, beloved by musicians and audiences alike for its emotional power and technical brilliance.

Guest Soloist: Kaia Selden

Violinist Kaia Selden is a recent top prize winner in several international competitions, including Kocian, Telemann, and Grumiaux. In the Seattle area, she has received multiple first prizes at the Simon-Fiset Competition and Seattle Young Artists Music Festival. This year, Kaia was a Young Artist Auditions winner for the Seattle Symphony and she will be performing with them in 2024. 

Kaia made her concerto debut at age ten and has since been featured as a soloist with Philharmonia Northwest, Classical Tahoe Festival Orchestra and the Northwest, Olympia, Oregon, and Seattle Symphonies. This season she is performing Dvorak Concerto with the Southwest Washington Symphony and Beethoven Concerto with the Kirkland Civic Symphony.

Kaia has also performed on two National Public Radio shows: "From the Top" with Christopher O’Riley in Las Vegas and "Tiny Desk" in Washington D.C. 

Kaia studied violin with Jan Coleman from age seven and is currently a student of Simon James. She has also played in masterclasses for Augustin Hadelich and James Ehnes. Kaia's summer studies include Center Stage Strings, Sounding Point, Tibor Varga Academy and Orford Academy. This year she is a participant in the Seattle Chamber Music Society Academy and in the summer she will be attending the Chamber Music Northwest Young Artist Institute.

Kaia plays on an 1846 Enrico Ceruti violin, on generous loan from the Yue-Hashimoto family. In addition to music, Kaia enjoys baking and eating desserts, reading, composting, and spending time with friends.