Definition

Noun: 1. A moderately slow Austrian country dance in triple time; involves spinning and clapping: A traditional folk dance originating from Austria, characterized by its 3/4 time signature, deliberate tempo, and distinctive movements like turning and hand-clapping. 2. Music in triple time for dancing the landler: The specific type of music composed to accompany this Austrian folk dance, also written in 3/4 or 3/8 time.

Usage Examples

• The couple learned the basic steps of the ländler at the cultural festival.
• The orchestra played a lively ländler that got everyone's feet tapping.
• This piece by Schubert is based on the form of a ländler.

Advanced Usage

• The ländler is considered a precursor to the waltz. While both are in triple time, the ländler is generally slower and more rustic in character.
• In classical music, composers like Franz Schubert, Gustav Mahler, and Anton Bruckner incorporated the ländler into their symphonies and other works to evoke a folk or pastoral atmosphere.

Variants and Related Words

• Ländler (noun): An alternative spelling, often used to reflect the original German word (Ländler). The meaning is identical.
• Folk dance (noun): A general term for traditional dances of a particular region or people, of which the ländler is a specific type.
• Waltz (noun): A ballroom dance that evolved from the ländler, characterized by a similar triple meter but a faster, smoother, and more gliding style.

Synonyms

• Country dance
• Folk dance

Related Idioms or Phrases

• To dance a ländler: This is the standard phrase for performing this specific dance.
  • At the wedding in the Alps, the guests were invited to dance a ländler.

Noun

1. a moderately slow Austrian country dance in triple time; involves spinning and clapping
2. music in triple time for dancing the landler