Grieg In the Hall of the Mountain King for Baritone Ukulele

In this video Jeff Peterson plays his arrangement of In the Hall of the Mountain King by Grieg for baritone ukulele.

This evocative melody by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg was originally part of Peer Gynt, a play by Henrik Ibsen put to music by Grieg. In total Grieg composed 90 minutes of music to accompany the play (Peer Gynt, Op.23). Later Grieg selected excerpts from this mountain of music in two separate suites: Suite 1, Op.46 and Suite 2, Op.55. “In the Hall of the Mountain King” appears as the final movement of Suite 1. It bears the expression mark “Alla marcia e molto marcato.” The melody is played pizzicato until the piece builds in intensity and volume culminating in crashing cymbals. It is a monumental piece of Western music.

The melody also appears in many adaptations and versions across popular culture. From jazz to rock to metal to hip hop, the melody appears across genres and remains timeless as a result.

On the ukulele, this piece provides a great opportunity to develop coordination between the hands when alternating the index and middle fingers in the right hand. The 3rd finger plays the Bb note on the 3rd string 3rd fret below this to create sustain between the notes. You can practice repeating the melody and gradually pick up the tempo with an accelerando until it is really flying!

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This is one of many classical arrangements at Ukulele Corner Academy. At the Academy you’ll find full lessons, free PDF downloads of the sheet music, and performances. That includes a growing library of baritone pieces! Join Ukulele Corner Academy today!