scherzo
UK[ˈskɛːtsəʊ]US[ˈskɛrtsoʊ]
n
A short, lively movement or composition, typically in triple time, found especially in symphonies, sonatas, and chamber music.
Etymology
The word 'scherzo' entered English directly from Italian in the mid-18th century, retaining its original spelling and musical meaning. The Italian term itself evolved from the Germanic verb skerzan, meaning "to leap" or "to joke", which is related to the Old High German 'skerzan' (to jump for joy) and the modern German 'Scherz' (joke). This etymological journey from a physical "leap" to a "joke" and finally to a lively, playful piece of music perfectly captures the character of a scherzo, which replaced the more stately minuet as a standard movement in symphonies and sonatas, introducing a sense of rhythmic vitality and humor.
Analysis
The word is a loanword from Italian, adopted as a single lexical unit. It derives from the Italian 'scherzo', meaning "joke" or "sport".
Examples
The symphony's third movement was a playful scherzo that contrasted sharply with the solemn adagio.
Beethoven's scherzos are renowned for their rhythmic drive and unexpected dynamic shifts.
The composer instructed the musicians to play the scherzo with lightness and wit.