scherzo

[skert-soh]

noun

Music.

plural

scherzos, scherzi 

1. a movement or passage of light or playful character, especially as the second or third movement of a sonata or a symphony.

scherzo

/ ˈskɛətsəʊ /

noun

1. a brisk lively movement, developed from the minuet, with a contrastive middle section (a trio) See minuet

Word History and Origins

Origin of scherzo¹

First recorded in 1850–55; from Italian: literally, “joke,” derivative of scherzare “to joke,” of Langobardic origin (compare German Scherz “a joke, jest”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of scherzo¹

Italian: joke, of Germanic origin; compare Middle High German scherzen to jest

Example Sentences

Ditto the scherzo — a sprint of 16th notes that he articulated with brilliance and clarity.

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Many conductors treat the third-movement scherzo as an exercise in dance rhythm; here, the energy was certainly propulsive, but Thomas also coaxed out a riot of colors and textures.

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The movement was most arresting for the ensemble’s energy, which lent sufficient drama to the many musical gasps that Beethoven inserts to regain the scherzo’s composure.

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A bulldozer of a scherzo intensified what was a lingering menace, and the fourth movement rondo released it from its cage.

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His scherzo had a wonderfully light air about it.

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