Humoresque
Romantic works
Definition
A light, whimsical instrumental character piece, typically short and marked by playful melodic writing, sudden contrasts of mood, and an improvisatory feeling. The term was popularised by Schumann and became widely used in Romantic piano music. Dvořák's Humoresque No.7 in G♭ major (from Op.101) is his most celebrated piano work.
Historical Context
The humoresque requires a light touch and an ability to switch between tender lyricism and playful wit without warning. The 'humour' is not comic but rather the quality of caprice — sudden changes of mood, unexpected turns of phrase, a smile rather than a laugh.
Works (13)
- Humoresque in F♯ major (B. 138) Key F♯ major
- Humoresque No. 1 in E♭ minor, Op. 101 Key E♭ minor
- Humoresque No. 2 in B major, Op. 101 Key B major
- Humoresque No. 3 in A♭ major, Op. 101 Key A♭ major
- Humoresque No. 4 in D minor, Op. 101 Key D minor
- Humoresque No. 5 in A minor, Op. 101 Key A minor
- Humoresque No. 6 in B major, Op. 101 Key B major
- Humoresque No. 7 in G♭ major, Op. 101 Key G♭ major
- Humoresque No. 8 in B minor, Op. 101 Key B minor
- Humoresque in G major, Op. 10 No. 5 Key G major
- Humoreske in B-flat major, Op. 20 Key B♭ major
- Humoresque, Op. 40
- Humoresque, Op. 101