Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar

In the early 1870's, Edvard Grieg's most influential supporter was Bjornsen, the Director of the Christiania Theatre in the Norwegian capitol. At Bjornsen's commission,Grieg wrote music for many songs and stage productions, carrying on the nationalistictradition of his friend, Rikard Nordraak. Sigurd Jorsalfar (Sigurd the Crusader) was one of the early stage productions of this era of Grieg's life. The story is based on the Heimskringla Saga. During the early part of the twelfth century, Norway was ruled by two brothers; Sigurd and Ostein. Sigurd went off to the Crusades while Ostein kept things under control on the homefront. Both were enamored with the same young lady, Borghild, daughter of Olav of Dale. When Sigurd returned, the brothers quarreled over Borghild and their respective followers quarreled over which of the brothers had done the most for the welfare and honor of theri country. A reconciliation, depicted by the well known Homage March, then took place. Sigurd Jorsalfar was first performed on Independence Day, May 17, 1872, and was published as opus 22 by Lose of Copenhagen.

The music was orchestrated, expanded and published as a suite by Grieg in 1892. It is from this orchestral suite that Gary Olson's arrangement of the Homage March is taken.

This work is part of our Denver Brass Signature Series.