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Notes
“The Hedgehog” (originally known as Pinnsvinet) is a delightful and quirky tune that has hopped from the Norwegian folk tradition into the global “trad” scene. It is a Reinlender, a Norwegian dance style related to the schottische, which features a heavy, percussive “two-beat” pulse. The tune earned its name from its prickly, staccato melody—much like the tiny, bristling creature it describes.
It is a tune of great character, often played with a bit of a “wink” and a rhythmic bounce that is infectious for both dancers and listeners.
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The Feel: As a reinlender, it has a “square” but very lifted 4/4 or 2/4 rhythm. It is characterized by its sharp, detached notes and a signature “hop” at the end of musical phrases.
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The Key: Usually played in D Major or G Major, it takes full advantage of the resonant, open-string sounds of the fiddle, which is the primary instrument of the Norwegian tradition.
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The Melody: The tune is famous for its “jagged” A-part, which uses short, repetitive intervals to mimic a hedgehog’s scurrying. The B-part often opens up into a smoother, more melodic phrase, providing a beautiful contrast to the “prickly” beginning.