This is a collection of four pieces. The four pieces were composed at different times. It is rare among Grieg's works to be able to trace the evolution of his compositional style in this manner. The title 'Album Leaves' was later also used for several pieces that constitute the Lyric Pieces.

The first piece, in A-flat major, is marked Allegro con moto. It was written in 1864. Although written homophonically, it is a piece where making the melody stand out is not particularly easy.

The second piece, in F major, is marked Allegretto espressivo. It was written in 1874, ten years after the first piece. The melodic lines are beautiful, and they are adorned with ornamentation in places.

The third piece, in A major, is marked Vivace. It was written in 1876, two years after the second piece. It is a piece reminiscent of a waltz. In its middle section, the piece modulates to A minor, the parallel minor of the tonic key.

The fourth piece, in C-sharp minor, is marked Andantino serioso. It was written in 1878, two years after the third piece. It begins with parallel motion in the upper and lower voices, and features a beautiful folk-like melody. The middle section is reminiscent of a Halling. A Halling is a type of Norwegian folk dance, characterized by its vigorous nature, and typically performed as a solo by men.