Loved the world over for his music to Peer Gynt and his Piano Concerto, Grieg wrote melodies that capture the imagination and touch the heart. A fine pianist and inspiring conductor, he managed to fuse music that captured the Norwegian spirit with a truly international language; it made him a national hero. Apart from his "pops," he gave us a trio of wonderful violin sonatas, two fine string quartets, and a vast amount of piano music. And don't overlook his vocal music—he wrote some absolutely gorgeous songs.