The op. 7 Sonata was Grieg's first major piano work. While traditional in form and structure, its originality is expressed through the incorporation of elements from Scandinavian dances and folk tunes. A recording of the piece made by Grieg himself in 1903 shows the virtuosic manner in which the composer approached his task: the tempi of the outer movements are markedly brisk, the whole performance bright and vivacious.