Thvingad

Thvingad is a term used to describe a type of contiguous or jumped rhythmic pattern found in traditional Scandinavian music. It is characterized by a specific pattern of short and long notes, often established by the first beat of a measure.

In traditional Swedish polyphonic singing, thvingad is a melodic pattern used in specific traditional songs, especially in the region of Dalarna. The pattern consists of a repetitive alternating pattern of short and long notes, which is established from the first beat and is repeated throughout the piece. This repetitive pattern allows singers to establish a specific rhythmic understanding, allowing for synchronous singing.

Thvingad is also found in other forms of traditional Scandinavian music, such as in Swedish and Norwegian folk music, where it serves as a key component in establishing the traditional rhythmic framework. In these musical contexts, thvingad contributes to the rich and distinctive rhythmic vocabulary of the region.

The term 'thvingad' is thought to originate from the Swedish word 'tvårng', which describes rhythmic variation and the substituting of long and short note lengths within a repetitive pattern. It is typically in triplet rhythms and its impact is heavily influenced by Swedish-speaking regions.

Further research into the term and its application in traditional Scandinavian music is needed to fully understand the relationship between thvingad and other rhythmic patterns. However, its distinctive use in Dalarna's traditional polyphonic singing repertoire and other regional contexts is a well-established aspect of traditional Scandinavian music.