scherzo

The precise definition has varied over the years, but scherzo often refers to a movement that replaces the minuet as the third movement in a four-movement work, such as a symphony, sonata, or string quartet. The term can also refer to a fast-moving humorous composition that may or may not be part of a larger work.

A scherzo is a light-hearted, occasionally comedic, replacement to the minuet in sonata cycles that usually features a fast-moving tempo in 3/4 and an A B A' form. It originated as a poetic form that transitioned to vocal music in Italy in 1605. By the 18th century, it became associated with instrumental music.

The scherzo itself is a rounded binary form; but, like the minuet, is usually played with the accompanying Trio followed by a repeat of the Scherzo, creating the ABA or ternary form. This is sometimes done twice or more (ABABA).

Scherzos are characterized by “ vigorous rhythm, a certain abruptness of thought involving elements of surprise and whim, and a character of bustling humor which may veer from the playful to the ominous” (Apel Harvard Dictionary of Music, 664).

A scherzo is often thought of as the label of a fast movement of a larger work such as a symphony, but it can also be the label of a single-movement work of the same style and form. The term scherzo means joke or ''jokingly'' in Italian.

Scherzo (Stravinsky)

A scherzo in classical music is a song form that employs fast tempos, jovial sound characteristics, and a triple meter like 3/4 time. Scherzos are typically upbeat, lighthearted, and sometimes frantic in nature.

The Scherzo is a much faster, more vibrant and energetic version of the Minuet although it retains the structure of the Minuet and Trio. Schumann often added a 2nd Trio section to his Scherzo ie: Scherzo - Trio 1 - Scherzo - Trio 2 - Scherzo.

Origin of Scherzo The idea of a scherzo has always been to create a piece of music that is lighthearted and jovial. The earliest evidence of the term is found during the Renaissance Era and early years of the Baroque Era. Renaissance musicians would perform lighthearted madrigal songs called''scherzi musicali''.

°(music) A tempo mark directing that a passage is to be played in a quick, lively tempo, faster than allegretto but slower than presto.

As to the genesis of this Scherzo, little is known beyond the 1835 publication date, though it is presumed to have been completed around 1833. The piece begins with the tempo marking Presto con fuoco. The piece is dark, dramatic, and lively. It is complex and considered to be one of Chopin's more difficult works.

The scherzo unlike many renaissance or baroque forms does not originate from a courtly dance. But is purely a musical invention monteverdi often seen as a linchpin composer between the renaissance.