Grieg’s Haugtussa Song Cycle Op. 67 is one of the masterpieces of his song oeuvre. It is 8 settings from the epic self-titled poem by Arne Garborg, about a shepherd girl. Known as ‘Haugtussa’ (‘hill troll girl’) due to her clairvoyance and deep connection to nature and mythical beings, she must overcome societal exclusion through courage and self-reflection.

Grieg was not only fascinated by the natural mysticism of this poem, but also by the musicality of the new Norwegian language Nynorsk, w...