The 1890s were years of relative peace for Grieg, who had been traveling widely:he had recently taken up permanent residence at Troldhaugen, and the music world had begun to confer distinctions and honors on the beloved 53-year-old Norwegian composer. Out of this fertile time was born Grieg's second national-ist period--a fresh exploration of his country's rich treasury of folk music and the birth of his four evocative Symphonic Dances (on Norwegian Themes), Op.64. Originally composed for piano four-hands, the Dances were later scored for large orchestra, dipping into a rich palette of instrumental colors. They are considered among Grieg's strongest, most mature pieces for orchestra.

 I

Allegro moderato e marcato (3)--Piv lento (7)--Tempo I (18)

 II.

Allegretto grazioso  26

 III.

Allegro giocoso  46

 IV.

Andante--Allegro molto e risoluto (73)--Pit5 tranquillo (90)--Tempo I (101)--Presto (117)