scherzo

noun scher·zo \ ˈskert-(ˌ)sō \

|Updated on: 28 Jul 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 crucial woodwind solos of the scherzo and third movement brought superb teamwork from the principals, with molten brass and incisive percussion to match.

— john von rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Semyon Bychkov electrifies Orchestra Hall with blazing CSO account of Tchaikovsky's 'Manfred'," 4 May 2018
The scherzo, in particular, had terrific propulsion.

— tim smith, baltimoresun.com, "BSO shines in colorful program with Alsop, Gerstein," 2 June 2018
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

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

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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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