springdans

Norwegian composer

Definition

A fast Norwegian couple dance in triple metre, often with shifting accent patterns that give it an asymmetric, unpredictable lilt distinct from the waltz.

Interpretive Guidance

The springdans is not a waltz — the accent does not fall predictably on beat one. In Grieg's transcriptions, the bar-level accent shifts phrase by phrase. Feel each phrase as a physical unit before counting individual beats. The tempo should be fast enough to feel like spinning but controlled enough that the metric shifts register clearly.

Context

Scope Used by Edvard Grieg
Language Norwegian

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