scherzo

noun scher·zo \ ˈskert-(ˌ)sō \

|Updated on: 3 Jun 2018

Definition of scherzo

plural scherzos or scherzi play \ˈskert-(ˌ)sē\

: a sprightly humorous instrumental musical composition or movement commonly in quick triple time

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Recent Examples of scherzo from the Web

The pulse of the scherzo was insistent in a nervy, exciting fashion that contrasted well with the luxurious way Mr. Dudamel lingered over the third movement’s airier meditations.

— seth colter walls, New York Times, "Review: Dudamel and Los Angeles Bring the Noise to New York," 30 Apr. 2018
As the movements progressed, however, his true strategy became more evident as the inexorable movement toward consolidation of energy and excitement gave us an intense second movement, a mercurial scherzo, and a finale of rare drive and concision.

— zachary lewis, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Orchestra keeps the flame burning as 'The Prometheus Project' continues (review)," 14 May 2018
Thursday’s performance was out to dazzle and definitely succeeded, leaving the impression of the piece being one breathless scherzo.

— david patrick stearns, Philly.com, "Philadelphia Orchestra and Helene Grimaud gives a preview of the upcoming Israel tour," 11 May 2018
There was, however, plenty of rhythm in the scherzo, and the finale had a sometimes playful question-and-answer character.

— richard s. ginell, latimes.com, "Jeremy Denk plays with time, and the program, at the Wallis," 26 Apr. 2018
The scherzo was allowed its craziness, San Francisco style.

— mark swed, latimes.com, "MTT takes Mahler to a new level in San Francisco Symphony tour," 28 Mar. 2018
The scherzo bristled with a kind of angular ferocity, at once robust and tender.

— joshua kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, "Copland’s generous patriotism gets boost from SF Symphony," 16 Mar. 2018
Honeck paced the scherzo as moderately as Mahler specified in the score, bringing a truly idiomatic grace to those lilting evocations of Viennese landler and waltz.

— john von rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Manfred Honeck shows why he remains one of the CSO's most valued guest conductors," 26 Jan. 2018
No matter: All are equally done in by the final scene, a bonkers scherzo in which the quasi naturalism is swept away by what is meant to be the joyful surrealism of children’s theater.

— jesse green, New York Times, "Review: Reimagining ‘Peter Pan’ for the Lipitor Demographic," 13 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scherzo.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of scherzo

Italian, literally, joke, from scherzare

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First Known Use: 1852

in the meaning defined above

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SCHERZO Defined for English Language Learners

scherzo

noun

Definition of scherzo for English Language Learners

: a lively, humorous piece of music that is played quickly

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