Scherzo
noun
A quick, playful, and often humorous musical piece, usually in a symphony or sonata.
The composer included a scherzo in the second movement of his symphony.

Often appears as...
- play a scherzo
- write a scherzo
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A quick, playful, and often humorous musical piece, usually in a symphony or sonata.
The composer included a scherzo in the second movement of his symphony.

Often appears as...
- play a scherzo
- write a scherzo
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 1

Playful Spirit
Scherzo carries a playful, sometimes mischievous mood, contrasting more serious parts of music.

The pianist's rendition of the scherzo was delightfully sprightly, lifting the room's spirits.
Musical Structure
A scherzo is typically a movement in larger compositions, not a standalone piece.

The quartet reached the scherzo of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, enlivening the audience.
Cultural Heritage
Scherzi are rooted in classical music, emanating from European tradition, especially Italy.

Scherzo originated in the 17th century as an Italian term, meaning 'joke' or 'jest'.
Playful Spirit
Scherzo carries a playful, sometimes mischievous mood, contrasting more serious parts of music.

The pianist's rendition of the scherzo was delightfully sprightly, lifting the room's spirits.
Musical Structure
A scherzo is typically a movement in larger compositions, not a standalone piece.

The quartet reached the scherzo of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, enlivening the audience.
Cultural Heritage
Scherzi are rooted in classical music, emanating from European tradition, especially Italy.

Scherzo originated in the 17th century as an Italian term, meaning 'joke' or 'jest'.
Playful Spirit
Scherzo carries a playful, sometimes mischievous mood, contrasting more serious parts of music.

The pianist's rendition of the scherzo was delightfully sprightly, lifting the room's spirits.
Musical Structure
A scherzo is typically a movement in larger compositions, not a standalone piece.

The quartet reached the scherzo of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, enlivening the audience.
Cultural Heritage
Scherzi are rooted in classical music, emanating from European tradition, especially Italy.

Scherzo originated in the 17th century as an Italian term, meaning 'joke' or 'jest'.
Quote examples
Irving Harper
American Designer
With a computer, there are too many choices, and I always liked working within limits. You know, if you look at Mozart, who had this strict classical framework - an allegro, an andante, a scherzo and a finale - you see that within that formula, he got results he might never have gotten if he had all the options in the world.

Quote examples
Irving Harper
American Designer
With a computer, there are too many choices, and I always liked working within limits. You know, if you look at Mozart, who had this strict classical framework - an allegro, an andante, a scherzo and a finale - you see that within that formula, he got results he might never have gotten if he had all the options in the world.

Example 1 of 1
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