Greig - In The Hall Of The Mountain King - Best-of Classical Music -

Interestingly, Grieg was initially critical of the piece, famously writing that it "reeks of cow dung" and "exaggerated Norwegian-ness," though he later recognized its immense staying power. Cultural Impact

Because of its "malleable" nature—shifting from spooky and ominous to whimsical and adventurous—the piece has become a staple in modern media: Interestingly, Grieg was initially critical of the piece,

It has been used in everything from Mad Men and The Simpsons to commercials for Microsoft and Pringles. Interestingly, Grieg was initially critical of the piece,

“Many associate it with animated chase scenes, Halloween imagery, or a sense of mischief and excitement.” CliffsNotes Interestingly, Grieg was initially critical of the piece,

It served as a famous leitmotif for a serial killer in Fritz Lang’s 1931 film M .