Scherzo
Overview
A Scherzo is a musical term originating from the Italian word for "joke". It is used to denote a light, playful, or humorous movement typically found in a symphony, sonata, or quartet. The scherzo largely replaced the minuet in the 19th century, particularly in symphonies and string quartets. The form and character of the scherzo is diverse, ranging from light-hearted and playful to dramatic and stormy. It is often used as the third movement in four-movement works.
History
The scherzo originated in the early 17th century as a quick, light-hearted piece of music. The term was first used in this sense by Italian composer and violinist Arcangelo Corelli in his Trio Sonatas. However, the form did not become a standard movement in instrumental works until the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The scherzo gained popularity in the Classical period, particularly through the works of Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. However, it was Ludwig van Beethoven who elevated the scherzo to a central place in the symphonic form. Beethoven's use of the scherzo was a significant departure from the traditional minuet and trio form, and his scherzos are noted for their complexity, dynamism, and emotional depth.
Structure
The typical scherzo follows a ternary (ABA) form. The 'A' section is usually in a fast triple meter, while the 'B' section, known as the trio, provides contrast in key, texture, and rhythm. The scherzo then returns to the 'A' section, often with variations. The scherzo and trio are often repeated in alternation, creating an ABA-ABA structure.
The scherzo often features rhythmic ambiguity, with accents and syncopation that disrupt the regular meter. This rhythmic playfulness is a defining characteristic of the scherzo, contributing to its light-hearted and humorous character.
Notable Scherzos
There are many notable scherzos in the classical music repertoire. Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 features a famous scherzo as its second movement. The scherzo is characterized by a vigorous rhythm and a theme that is passed around different sections of the orchestra.
Frédéric Chopin also wrote a number of standalone scherzos for solo piano. These works, while bearing the name 'scherzo', are noted for their dramatic and virtuosic character, a departure from the light-hearted nature traditionally associated with the form.
Johannes Brahms's Symphony No. 4 features a notable scherzo as its third movement. The movement is characterized by its rhythmic complexity and dramatic intensity.
In Popular Culture
The scherzo has also found its way into popular culture. For example, the third movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, a scherzo, is used in the film "A Clockwork Orange". The scherzo from Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 2 is used in the film "Death in Venice".