Exploring Edvard Grieg's "Morning"

Golden sunrise over serene waters, capturing the tranquility of the morning and the practice of mindfulness.

"Morning" is one of the most famous pieces by the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg (1843-1907). It is part of his incidental music for Henrik Ibsen's play Peer Gynt, first performed in 1876. The music is played during Act IV, Scene 1, as the sun rises over the desert in North Africa.

Peer Gynt is a play by Henrik Ibsen about a young, boastful, and lazy Norwegian peasant who embarks on a fantastical journey of self-discovery and redemption. The play, inspired by a Norwegian folktale, explores themes of identity, escapism, and the consequences of one's choices, as Peer encounters various characters and situations around the world.

Grieg's "Morning" is known for its peaceful and gentle melody, often evoking a sense of calm and the beauty of nature. The original version of the piece is written in 6/8 time, giving it a flowing, lilting feel, and it primarily uses the key of E major. This Level 2 version of the piece is simplified and written in 3/4 time, making it accessible for new musicians, and it is in the key of G major. That means all the notes used are in the scale of G major. The original version is often heard with flutes and oboes carrying the main melody, creating a light and airy texture. While it's a relatively simple and repetitive theme, its charm lies in its serene character and beautiful harmonies.

Listen to the recording on the QR code to hear these instruments, the play and a podcast.

Question 1: What is the title of this piece?

Question 2: Who is the composer of "Morning"?

Question 3: What is the key signature of this piece?

Question 4: What does the "Andante" marking at the beginning tell you about how the music should be played?

Question 5: What time signature is this piece written in?

Question 6: How many beats are in each measure according to the time signature?

Question 7: If you were to add an instrument to play the melody in this simplified version, which instrument do you think would best capture its "morning" feel, and why?

Finger Patterns from Morning

Piano fingerings over a musical staff illustrate the notes and sequence for playing a melody in G major.

For piano players, focusing on efficient finger movement for the 'Morning Finger Pattern'. This pattern, with the jumps and repeats, is good for practicing finger independence and quick transitions.

• D5 (Finger 5): Begin by playing D5 with your fifth (pinky) finger.

• B4 (Finger 2): Play B4 with your second (index) finger.

• D5 (Finger 4): Play D5 with your fourth (ring) finger.

• E5 (Finger 5): Play E5 with your fifth (pinky) finger.

• B4 (Finger 2): Play B4 again with your second (index) finger.

• E5 (Finger 5): Play E5 again with your fifth (pinky) finger.

• D5 (Finger 4): Play D5 with your fourth (ring) finger.

• B4 (Finger 3): Play B4 with your third (middle) finger.

• A4 (Finger 2): Play A4 with your second (index) finger.

• G4 (Finger 1): Conclude this pattern by playing G4 with your first (thumb) finger.

Finally; before playing ensure the left hand chords can be played securely and you know the interval you are playing.

Musical notation paired with color-coded drumming patterns displays rhythmic sequences in bass clef, illustrating a percussion exercise.

This is part of a G major book due to be published in August 2025

Download the Morning Workbook Today

The G Major Workbook - Morning.pdf

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