20006 – Holberg Suite

E. Greig (1843-1907)

arranged by Roger Harvey

Difficulty: Hard

Price: £35.00

for symphonic brass ensemble. (3 trumpets, 4 horns, 3 trombones, tuba)

Programme notes:

1. Praelude. Allegro vivace
2. Sarabande. Andante
3. Gavotte. Allegretto
Musette. Poco piu mosso
4. Air Andante religioso
5. Rigaudon. Allegro con brio

Ludwig Holberg (1684 –1754) is known as the Moliere of the North and is creditied with creating the modern Danish/Norwegian literature.
He was born in Bergen, Norway, during the time of the Dano-Norwegian double monarchy, but spent most of his adult life in Denmark. He was influenced by Humanism, the Enlightenment and the Baroque. Holberg is best known for the comedies he wrote in 1722–1723 for the theatre in Lille Grønnegade in Copenhagen and his works about law which were widely read by many Danish law students for over two centuries.
Grieg composed the Holberg Suite (opus 40) actually entitled "From Holberg's Time", in 1884 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Holberg. The suite is in the style of country dances from Holberg's time and was originally composed for the piano but later arranged for strings by the composer.

Performance note:

The 1st trumpet part is for a small trumpet (E flat would be best or piccolo B flat could be used in places)
The 3rd trumpet part is for flugel throughout.
Greig has given many phrasing and expression marks, most of which have been reproduced here. Many of them are simply for shaping and, bearing in mind that they are for string orchestra, should not be over-emphasised, especially sforzandos and accents.
In general keep the quick music very light in production and aim for clear textures in accompaniments.