Greig - In The Hall Of The Mountain King - Best-of Classical Music May 2026

It has been used in everything from Mad Men and The Simpsons to commercials for Microsoft and Pringles.

Because of its "malleable" nature—shifting from spooky and ominous to whimsical and adventurous—the piece has become a staple in modern media: It has been used in everything from Mad

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 It has been used in everything from Mad