scherzo

[ skert-soh ]

noun

, Music.

, plural scher·zos, scher·zi [skert, -see].

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.

From Washington Post

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.

From New York Times

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.

From Washington Post

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

From Washington Post

His scherzo had a wonderfully light air about it.

From New York Times