Best known for his larger-scale works, the great Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg (1843–1907) also created smaller pieces such as these strikingly beautiful and varied songs for high voice. In his introduction to this collection, the distinguished music critic and Grieg biographer Henry T. Finck declares, "The emotional range of Grieg"s songs is wide, their subjects are poetic and pictorial, there are single pages in them that contain more of the essence of genius than many whole sonatas, symphonies, and operas." Inspired by the folk music of his native country, Grieg drew upon the novelty of his own ideas to create works of utter originality that rank among those of the great composers in terms of melody, harmony, modulation, rhythm, and coloring. This outstanding compilation of the best 50 of Grieg"s 135 songs includes many of his most popular melodies, such as "Solvejg"s Song," "From Monte Pincio," and "Dreams." Notes on each selection offer essential information for a thorough comprehension and interpretation of these enchanting songs, which were described by Grieg"s frequent accompanist, the eminent violinist Johannes Wolf, as "full of passion and poetry; the more I play them the more I love them; always I find freshness and beauty."