swing
English composer
Definition
A rhythmic feel characteristic of jazz in which notated pairs of eighth notes are played unevenly — the first held longer and the second shortened — creating a lilting forward momentum rather than straight even time.
Interpretive Guidance
Do not play Kapustin's eighth notes strictly as written; interpret them with a gentle swing feel unless the score or context indicates straight time. The degree of swing varies from subtle to pronounced depending on tempo.