scherzo
scherzo — noun
- scherzosingular
- scherziplural
1. A fast, lively section within a longer classical work — such as a symphony or so
A fast, lively section within a longer classical work — such as a symphony or sonata — that is usually written in a three-beat rhythm and has a playful, energetic character.
A cheerful scherzo in Beethoven's Fifth Symphony provides a playful break from the dramatic opening.
position within a symphony: second or third movement
The pianist played the scherzo at a breathtaking speed, her fingers flying across the keyboard.
collocation: play + the scherzo
Mei-Lin followed the score, tapping her foot to the scherzo's quick three-beat rhythm.
At the concert, the orchestra performed a lively scherzo that made several audience members smile.
Many classical composers place a scherzo as the third movement of a four-movement symphony.
- light movement
describes the character rather than the specific musical form; less technical
- playful composition
focuses on mood instead of structure; not a standard music term
- caprice
a similar lively, free-form instrumental piece, but not part of a larger work
- adagio
a slow, stately movement, opposite in speed and character
文法句型
a/the scherzo + from/of [work]
scherzo movement
用法筆記
Frequently appears as the third or second movement of a symphony, sonata, or string quartet. The word comes from Italian, meaning 'joke' — reflecting the light, playful character of the music even within a serious composition.