Violin Sonata in F-major by Edvard Grieg in the context of national elements and european music achievements

In concert and especially in teaching practice, Edvard Grieg’s Violin Sonata in F Major op. 8, which was written in 1865, is labelled as his youthful composition. Considering the time when it was created, it is an undisputed fact, but such a term has negative connotations and may also make one’s attitude towards artistic explorations within the piece shallower. It is worth to mention here that it was this very Sonata in F Major that attracted the attention of the great Ferenc Liszt. In his article, the author attempts to point to different sources which inspired Grieg during the initial period of his creative life. These influences can be divided into national ones (Norwegian) and European ones (based on the firm roots of the European musical heritage). There is no doubt that the composer is another link in the great Romantic tradition, both in terms of composition technique and form, as well as regular studies at the Conservatory in Leipzig. However, the matters related to the national element are much more difficult to look at using a comprehensive approach. While experiencing and analysing Norwegian folk music, one needs to consider to what extent Grieg’s music draws from it. In this aspect, the author discusses the issue of how well Grieg knew the music from his home country as well as objective obstacles in reflecting its idiom in artistic music. Norwegian folk instruments as such, in this case – the violin: hardingfele, seem an interesting element. These diverse influences were present throughout the whole period of Grieg’s creative work and can be seen already in his youthful Sonata in F Major – even though sometimes they are barely noticeable because of not having a mature form. Nevertheless, the awareness of rich- ness and many layers included in this composition should stimulate performers to study it in a diligent and in-depth way.