• Date: 1914
  • Sculptor: Sigvald Asbjornsen
  • Medium & size: Bust, on granite pedestal
  • Location: Prospect Park, Flower Garden (near Wollman Rink).

Peer Gynt Suite

Edvard Grieg (6/15/1843-9/4/1907), one of the leading composers of the Romantic era, was known for his use of Norwegian folk music in his compositions. Among his most famous works is the incidental music for the drama Peer Gynt, by Grieg’s compatriot Henrik Ibsen. “In the Hall of the Mountain King” is played when Peer Gynt is being taunted by trolls in Act 2.

I always find Ibsen thought provoking, even when I disagree with him. Two excerpts from Act 2, the Troll speaking to Peer Gynt:

If we’re of one mind as to manners and costume, 
You’re free to believe what would give us the horrors.


Out yonder
Under the skies men have a common saying:
“Man, to thyself be true!” But here, ‘mongst Trolls,
“Troll, to thyself be – enough!” it runs.

More

  • Ibsen’s Peer Gynt: digital version of an early 20th-c. translation, with illustrations by Arthur Rackham.
  • In Getting More Enjoyment from Sculpture You Love, I demonstrate a method for looking at sculptures in detail, in depth, and on your own. Learn to enjoy your favorite sculptures more, and find new favorites. Available on Amazon in print and Kindle formats. More here.
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