halling
Norwegian composer
Definition
A vigorous Norwegian folk dance in 2/4 time, typically featuring strong off-beat accents and leaping figures. Grieg incorporates hallings throughout the Lyric Pieces and Slåtter.
Interpretive Guidance
The halling requires a strong, earthy rhythmic profile with accents that land squarely on the beat and marked syncopations off it. The tempo should feel danced rather than driven — imagine a physical body launching into a leap. In Op. 72, the hallings are transcriptions of actual fiddle playing and need a harder, drier touch than the Lyric Piece versions.