Peer Gynt Incidental Music Suite Set 1 for String Orchestra: String Orchestra, Conductor Score

Steven Rosenhaus's arrangement makes these four iconic movements accessible to Grade 4 string orchestras without sacrificing Grieg's rich harmonic language or the distinctive character each piece demands. The suite balances technical ambition with genuine playability, giving younger orchestras a chance to perform repertoire that sounds mature and polished. Audiences recognize these melodies instantly, which means your orchestra earns immediate respect alongside genuine musical reward.

These movements carry you through emotional landscapes: from the tender, almost prayer-like beauty of Solveig's Dance, into the mysterious depths of ancient forest, through the exotic swagger of Anitra's seduction, and finally into the wild, supernatural chaos of the Mountain King's court. The music shifts character dramatically across the suite while maintaining Grieg's signature clarity and melodic warmth.

String orchestras at Grade 4 level with solid intonation and enough sectional discipline to balance multiple harmonic lines. Directors seeking repertoire that demonstrates real musical substance while remaining within reach of advancing student orchestras will find this suite invaluable.

• Shape the lyrical lines in Solveig's Dance with long, singing bows; the melody needs to sustain emotionally across phrases, not chop into short segments.
• In Deep in the Coniferous Forest, maintain the brooding character through consistent ensemble balance; let the lower strings define the harmonic foundation while upper voices stay transparent.
• Bring character dancing quality to Anitra's Dance through rhythmic clarity and articulation; the piece thrives on rhythmic vitality rather than romantic rubato.
• Tempo control matters most in In The Hall Of The Mountain King; the driving energy should build naturally, and ensemble rhythmic precision prevents the piece from falling apart as texture thickens.

Program this suite as the centerpiece of a concert focused on Romantic string repertoire, or use it as a bridge between classical and contemporary works. The four movements work equally well as a complete suite or programmed separately across a season, allowing you flexibility in concert planning while building student familiarity with Grieg's orchestral language.

• Balancing melodic and harmonic voices across the full string section
• Sustaining long lyrical lines with consistent tone and intonation
• Rhythmic precision in driving sections with syncopation and cross-rhythms
• Shifting ensemble character between contrasting movements without losing cohesion
• Reading and executing Grieg's frequent tempo and dynamic markings with expression