Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Edvard Grieg (1843--1907) is known to every music lover for his Peer Gynt suite, piano concerto, and arrangements of folk songs. When Edvard Grieg: The Man and the Artist was first published in Norway in 1980 it was quickly rec-ognized as the definitive biography of the great composer. Finn Benestad and Dag Schjelderup-Ebbe, the world's leading authorities on Grieg, lent liveliness and objectivity to their book after decades of dedicated research. Working with the authors, William H. Halverson and Leland B. Sateren have now translated the biography into English, updating it to include details of astonishing new developments: the discovery in the 1980s of a cache of manuscripts and letters by Grieg and the publication and performance (for the first time since 1867) of his only symphony.

Edvard Grieg: The Man and the Artist sets the Norwegian composer's life and career in the context of his times and casts new light on the origin and musical significance of many of his composi-tions. As in the original edition, the text is accompanied by a parallel column of primary materials--documents and musical examples--and is lavishly illustrated. Both scholars and general readers will revel in this musical feast.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

The 19th-century Norwegian composer Grieg receives clear, thorough treatment by the authors, both professors at the University of Oslo. The book includes a full survey of Grieg's life interspersed with useful analyses of all his works. This detailed work is significant; there has been nothing in English since John Horton's much less comprehensive Grieg (CH, Nov '76). Technical, analytical material is printed in smaller type so that readers can easily choose what is of interest to them; both print sizes are easily readable, however. Quotes and scholarly material are provided in the ample margins. This excellent translation captures the spirit of the original and has been updated to include new research since the Norwegian edition (Oslo, 1980). Many pictures enhance the book; missing, unfortunately, are the fine color prints of the original. Many musical examples help the reader, particularly where much of the music may be unfamiliar to American audiences. There is an extensive bibliography, several indexes, and a thematic catalog with incipits. Because there is material here for all levels, this book belongs in every public and academic library as the new definitive study of Grieg. -C. Cai, Kenyon College

Author notes provided by Syndetics

William H. Halverson, associate dean emeritus of University College at Ohio State University, has written books in philosophy and logic and translated 135 of Grieg's song texts in Edvard Grieg's Complete Works (1988). Leland B. Sateren, emeritus professor of music at Augsburg College, has published over 300 choral works and monographs on music and has composed and arranged hymns appearing in The Lutheran Book of Worship and other hymnals.