AS Music Understanding Music - Summary of the Arabian Dance Movement from "Peer Gynt" by Edvard Grieg
This blog analyses the second movement of Edvard Grieg’s “Peer Gynt,” commonly known as the Arabian Dance. This movement is intended to encapsulate the exotic and mysterious atmosphere of the Middle East, aligning with the character Peer Gynt’s journey far from home. Grieg composed this piece as a musical accompaniment to Henrik Ibsen’s play “Peer Gynt,” specifically for the scene where the protagonist finds himself in a desert setting.
Musically, the Arabian Dance is characterised by flowing, sinuous melodies predominantly played by woodwind instruments. These melodies evoke the imagery of a vast desert landscape, while the rhythm embodies a languid, swaying quality that mirrors the gentle movements of Middle Eastern dance. Grieg enriches the music with ornamental flourishes and microtonal inflexions, contributing to its distinctly Arabian flavour. Harmonically, the piece transitions between the tonic key and more distant, exotic modal passages, enhancing the sense of mystery and unfamiliarity associated with the desert.
The Arabian Dance’s overall effect is a dreamy, sensual ambience, effectively depicting the foreign and enchanting world that Peer Gynt encounters. After a brief musical interlude, the video delves deeper into the melodic and harmonic aspects of the movement. The melodies utilize modal scales, particularly the Phrygian mode, often linked to Middle Eastern music, cultivating a mysterious atmosphere. Decorative elements such as trills and grace notes enhance the exotic quality, and the main themes are repeated with slight variations, a technique reminiscent of folk music traditions.
The harmony in this movement is mainly modal, steering clear of conventional Western functional harmony. Using modes like Phrygian and Dorian evokes an ancient and mythical feeling. Grieg often employs static or drone-like harmonies, creating a foundation that allows the melodic lines to unfold, contributing to the piece’s hypnotic and timeless quality. Augmented and diminished chords further amplify the sense of mystery.
In terms of texture and orchestration, the Arabian Dance features a rich, layered texture. Grieg skillfully combines different instrumental groups, producing a dense, colorful soundscape. There are moments of counterpoint where various melodic lines interact, adding depth and complexity. The movement alternates between thinner textures, highlighted by solo instruments or smaller groups, and fuller, orchestral textures, maintaining dynamic contrasts that engage listeners.
The orchestration includes instruments considered exotic in Western contexts, such as tambourines and muted strings, which enhance the piece’s unique sound. Percussion, especially the tambourine, plays a crucial role in establishing rhythmic drive and accentuating the exotic flavor. Strings often employ mutes, resulting in a soft, veiled sound, while woodwinds deliver serpentine melodies that characterize the music.
Rhythmic patterns feature irregular and syncopated rhythms reminiscent of Middle Eastern dance, contributing to the overall exotic and dance-like feel. Grieg utilises a wide dynamic range, from delicate pianissimos to bold fortissimos, adding drama to the storytelling aspect of the music. As a programmatic piece, the Arabian Dance evokes specific images from the narrative, transporting listeners to a mythical, exotic locale in line with the themes of myths and legends in Ibsen’s play. The video concludes with a note discussing the final movement in a separate video.