This is the orchestral version of the composer's 1915 Romanian Folkdances for piano, Sz. 56. They are, in either version, very short, light pieces, and while their quality is fairly high (what folk music of Bartók's is not?), they are ultimately less significant works in the output of the composer.

The first of the seven dances, "Stick Dance," is played at a leisurely tempo, and though the general pacing is lively, the music has a restrained quality. The theme is attractive and Bartók's approach is straightforward in presenting the ethnic elements, as it is throughout the set. The second item, "Round Dance," less than a minute in duration, is playful and subtle. The next, "In One Spot," is colorful in its mysterious character, having an exotic upper-register melody with all the flavor and allure of Gypsy music. The fourth entry, the "Horn Dance," is wistful in nature and borders on the reflective, though it remains essentially light and colorful. At nearly two minutes, it is the longest of the dances in the set. The ensuing "Romanian Polka" is lively and colorful, lasting about a half-minute. The last two dances are both entitled "Short and Sweet." The first is, indeed, quite short and the closing number, though longer, lasts less than a minute. Both are rollicking, joyous dances whose celebration perfectly caps this colorful set of folk-inspired pieces.

A typical performance of these dances would last about seven minutes. The piano version is more popular in the concert halls and has also received substantially more recordings.

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