Song of Norway begins with the young composer Edvard Grieg struggling to get his music noticed by other musicians or music producers in either Norway or Denmark. Grieg wants to write great lyrical music that represents his country. He gradually promotes his music with the help of composer and friend Rikard Nordraak, and cousin Nina Willemsun Grieg (Florence Henderson).
During these early years (1860's), Norway was not especially looking for a composer of nationalist music based on Norwegian lyric songs. Other composers including Smetana, Dvorak and Liszt were beginning to develop a rich tradition of romantic music using the folk tunes of their homelands. In the film, Grieg complains about the lack of local interest in similar music for Norway.
An old friend helps subsidize a series of concerts for Grieg. He then applies for a travel grant, and his wife Nina befriends a local pianist (Mr. Krogstad) who then writes a letter to Polish composer and pianist Franz Liszt on Grieg's behalf. Grieg receives the grant, and leaves for Rome, while Nina remains in Norway. In Rome Grieg meets Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen and Franz Liszt.
He holds numerous concerts and debuts his works. At this time Grieg also composes his famous piano concerto in A minor. Ibsen eventually asks Grieg to write the music for his play Peer Gynt. The film ends when Grieg returns home to Nina in Norway to continue his career.
I remember being taken by Mom and Dad with siblings to see this movie when it was released {1970}. For many years after, I always remembered the incredibly beautiful scenery but did not remember the name of the movie. And finally I found it.
Norway
