Originally composed as incidental music to Ibsen’s play Peer Gynt, and subsequently included in Suite No.1 Op.45, The Hall of the Mountain King is one of Grieg’s most instantly recognisable works. The piece begins simply and quietly, gradually building to a magnificent and monumental climax, and a strong sense of pace and atmosphere is needed for a successful performance. The Hall of the Mountain King can be performed by double bass sextet or larger forces with optional percussion. It was arranged for an octet concert at the St. Claud Festival (Charente, France) in July 2007, and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Grieg’s death in 1907.