Holberg Suite was composed in the Baroque dance-suite style, and consists of five movements, with the Sarabande and Gavotte as the second and third of these. In this arrangement, careful attention has been paid to the original intentions in Grieg’s masterpiece. All dynamics, accents and stylistic markings should be observed in preparing this work-as it will bring out the wonderful subtleties in Grieg’s writing.

Grieg’s Holberg Suite was first composed in 1884 for piano. Originally titled From Holberg’s Time: Suite in the Olden Style, Grieg presented it at a Holberg Festival in Bergen, celebrating the bicentenary of noted Norwegian playwright Ludwig Holberg (1684–1754). The work was arranged for strings a few months later by the composer. Holberg Suite was composed in the Baroque dance-suite style of Holberg’s time, and consists of five movements, with the Sarabande and Gavotte as the second and third of these. Since Grieg’s transcription in 1885, Holberg Suite has become a beloved standard in the string orchestra repertoire. In this arrangement, careful attention has been paid to the original intentions in Grieg’s masterpiece. All dynamics, accents and stylistic markings should be observed in preparing this work—as it
will bring out the wonderful subtleties in Grieg’s writing. In the Sarabande, the smooth melodic lines should be accompanied by strong dynamic contrasts. This will ensure the drama and beauty that is inherent in the music. In both movements, solos with à2 (a due) indicate that there are two players needed.