Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) was the most famous Scandinavian composer of his time. Grieg single-handedly created a national musical identity for Norway, rooted in the German romantic tradition but heavily influenced by Norwegian folk music.  His work, with its strong sense of place, had a lasting impact on other composers, including Béla Bartók and the French impressionists like Debussy and Ravel.

Grieg is best known for his Piano Concerto in A minor, the incidental music he composed for the premiere of Henrik Ibsen's play Peer Gynt, and his collection of piano miniatures Lyric Pieces. His other works include a symphony (which he later suppressed), sonatas, songs, and many short pieces for piano – often based on Norwegian folk tunes and dances — which led some to call him the Chopin of the north.