The extraordinary popularity of the first two books of Lyric Pieces (opp. 12 and 38) was interpreted differently by Grieg and his publisher. Whereas Grieg would have liked to call his third book “Spring Songs,” so as to counteract the impression of a serial publication, the publisher recommended keeping the Lyric Pieces “brand name” – and he got what he wanted. Huge and long-lasting success quickly followed: some 20 years later the publisher proudly reported to Grieg that his Lyric Pieces, especially opp. 12 and 43, were selling “like hot cakes”.
