Lyric Pieces, Op. 62 II: “Takk”

by Edvard Grieg, arranged by Allison King

Dale Tumey, flute Naomi Stamoolis, oboe

Linda Anderson, clarinet Allison King, bass clarinet Herb Dunham, euphonium

“Takk” is a Norwegian word that translates to either “thanks” or “gratitude.” “Takk” is one of the sixty-six short pieces that comprise Edvard Grieg’s Lyric Pieces. Over the course of his life, Grieg periodically composed ten sets of six to eight short pieces for piano; these are collectively referred to as Lyric Pieces. Most of these works are character pieces, which was a popular genre in the nineteenth century when they were written. A character piece is a short work designed to portray a particular mood, image, or idea. “Takk” expresses gratitude. I arranged this work for wind quintet because Grieg is one of my favorite composers, and I thought that Grieg’s pervasive use of rich, thick harmonies in “Takk” would translate well to a wind quintet. I am very thankful to be able to play this piece with my fellow musicians and share it with everyone. —Allison