The first section is built in 2-bar fragments within an overall 4-bar period, each 2-bar fragment in a similar rhythmic patter. Set a tempo that gives a swinging, march step within a strong overall 2-in-the-bar feeling aiming for a tempo of around crotchet = 138-144 or more. In an extant recording made in 1903, Grieg himself plays this piece with tremendous rhythmic gusto. He sets a rattling tempo of around crotchet = 160 admittedly drawing out from bar 45 to a broader tempo from bar 49. In another recording, made near to the end of his life he goes a great deal slower.
