rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryscherzoPlayful musical movement
noun

scherzo

SKERT-soh/ˈskertsəʊ/

A lively, playful piece or movement in classical music.

The pianist plays a scherzo with light, buoyant gestures.

A young pianist plays a lively, playful passage on a grand piano, her buoyant posture and lightly lifted wrist conveying musical wit rather than solemn performance.
Etymology
scherzoItaliansport, joke

The Italian word for a joke or playful amusement became a musical label for a light, lively movement. Its name points to its playful character rather than a literal joke.

In context

Philharmonia Orchestra8:02
Here's an example of some pizzicato from the repertoire from Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, the Scherzo.
Instrument: Cello

More examples

  • She chooses a playful scherzo for her piano recital.
  • Sudden pauses give the scherzo a mischievous feel.
  • The album pairs two scherzos with a slow sonata.

Forms

scherzo · scherzos · scherzi

Similar words

caprice
Emphasizes free structure and unexpected changes rather than consistent playfulness.
bagatelle
Usually a short, light standalone piece, often for piano.