What is a SCHERZO?

INTRODUCE the scherzo

1. A scherzo (SKAIR-tzo) is a short piece of music, often a part of a larger work (like a symphony.) The word ‘scherzo’ means ‘to jest’ or ‘to joke’ in Italian. So a musical scherzo sometimes has a playful quality. Scherzos tend to share some characteristics, including the following:

   • Playful sounding, with a fast tempo.

   • Follows an ABA form. Remember that means we hear one thing, then something different, then the first thing again. In a scherzo, that ABA pattern is sometimes repeated, meaning the pattern becomes ABABA.

   • In 3/4 time signature, meaning that beats are organized in groups of three.

   • Part of a larger work, like a symphony.

2. Every composer who writes a scherzo does it a little differently. Some scherzos include all the characteristics listed above, and some do not include any.

3. Invite students to use a listening grid to notice the characteristics of each scherzo that you listen to together.

LISTEN to scherzo examples