Quick Overview

Undoubtedly the most famous name in all Norwegian music is that of classical composer Edvard Grieg (1843-1907).  Born in Bergen, Grieg's surname is a clear reminder of his family's Scottish roots.  His great-great-grandfather, John Grieg (at his marriage, Grig) who lived c1704 to 1774, was a respected tenant farmer at Mosstoun of Cairnbulg, Aberdeenshire.  Tow of John's sons, Alexander (Grieg's great-grandfather) and James, emigrated to Bergen around 1770, so following a centuries-long tradition of North Sea mercantile exchange between the coastal communities of Norway and Scotland.  Descendants of both Alexander and James live in Bergen to this day.