An ancient melody, probably from the 16th century, is the basis for Grieg’s op. 24. This “Ballade in Variation Form” was written in winter and spring 1875/76, in the months following his parents’ deaths. It is often interpreted as an attempt to surmount this difficult period, something most impressively audible in the chromatically-descending bass-line that permeates the piece. The Ballade is considered to be Grieg’s most important piece for piano and is most certainly his most personal composit...