Scherzo
Classical works
Definition
A vigorous piece in triple meter, typically fast and energetic, often with a contrasting trio section. The name means 'joke' in Italian, though Romantic-era scherzi are frequently dramatic or even ominous.
Historical Context
Originally the third movement of a Classical symphony or sonata replacing the minuet, the scherzo was transformed by Beethoven into a vehicle of enormous energy and wit. Chopin's four standalone piano scherzos (Opp. 20, 31, 39, 54) abandoned humor entirely, developing into turbulent, large-scale works of major scope.
Works (23)
- Scherzo No. 1 in B minor Key B minor
- Scherzo No. 2 in B♭ minor Key B♭ minor
- Scherzo No. 3 in F♯ major Key F♯ major
- Scherzo in E-flat minor, Op. 4 Key E♭ minor
- Scherzo-valse Key D major
- Scherzo No. 1 in B minor, Op. 20 Key B minor
- Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 31 Key B♭ minor
- Scherzo No. 3 in C-sharp minor, Op. 39 Key C♯ minor
- Scherzo No. 4 in E major, Op. 54 Key E major
- Scherzo in C-sharp minor Key C♯ minor
- Scherzino in C♯ minor, Op. 14 No. 4 Key C♯ minor
- Scherzo romantique, Op. 73
- Grand Scherzo, Op. 57
- Clowns (Scherzino), Op. 39 No. 20 Key A major
- Scherzo in B minor, Op. 16 No. 2 Key B minor
- Scherzo in B major Key B major
- Scherzo in C♯ minor Key C♯ minor
- Scherzo in G major Key G major
- 10 Pieces, Op. 12 No. 10: Scherzo Key A minor
- 10 Pieces, Op. 12 No. 9: Humoresque-Scherzo Key E♭ major
- 6 Pieces, Op. 52 No. 4: Scherzino Key G major
- 6 Pieces, Op. 52 No. 6: Scherzo Key G minor
- Scherzo, Op. 31