Scherzo, << SKEHR tsoh, >> is a short, lively musical composition. The term is often used to describe the third movement of a four-part symphony, sonata, or chamber music composition. Most scherzos feature a quick tempo and abrupt changes in rhythm, and are humorous and playful. Scherzos also include a contrasting section called a trio. The trio in most cases is less aggressive and more melodious than the rest of the scherzo.
Loading the player...Scherzo No. 2
In the early 1800’s, the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven established the scherzo as a basic part of the symphony. Famous scherzos include those in Romeo and Juliet (1839) by Hector Berlioz of France and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1843) by Felix Mendelssohn of Germany.
