Observations placeholder
Grieg - Haugtussa, op. 67
Identifier
025247
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
Dictionary of Unitarian & Universalist Biography – ‘Edvard and Nina Grieg’ by Peter Hughes November 4, 2004
The Griegs regularly wintered in Germany and elsewhere to the south of Norway. Nina preferred life on the road—giving concerts, away from housework, and being pampered in hotels. Edvard was her accompanist, even after he gave up soloing in public. Nina also appeared in concert playing the piano with her husband. She gave lessons to other singers.
Edvard noted, "It is unbelievable what power she has to mesmerize her pupils." When she sang in concert Nina dressed simply and was quite unlike a prima donna. "She penetrates right into one's heart and soul," wrote a reviewer.
A contemporary singer wrote, "she created her own style . . . an animated dramatic recitative. She struck not only at the center of a poem's feeling, but somehow plumbed the depths of individual words so they received a deeper, more distinctive color than one could get from mere reading."
Among the last songs Edvard wrote for Nina were the song-cycle, Haugtussa, op. 67, 1898.
A description of the experience
Kirsten Flagstad: Haugtussa Op . 67 by Grieg
Haugtussa, Op.67
1. Det Syng (The Singing)
2. Veslemöy (Little Maiden)
3. Blåbær-Li (Bilberry Slopes)
4. Møte (Meeting)
5. Elsk (Love)
6. Killingdans (Kidlings Dance)
7. Vond Dag (Evil Day)
8. Ved Gjætle-Bekken (At the Brook)
Kirsten Flagstad (1895-1962), soprano
Edwin McArthur, piano
1957