Amy Beach, "Scherzo" Published in 1900.

Amy Beach's composition, "Scherzo" stays very true to its name. Scherzo in Italian means joke, and it is clear through the light notes, uncontrollable volume, and overall style that this song embodies laughter and fun. The song includes a "lively, indeed overwhelming piano accompaniment"( Briscoe 119) along with a large string section-Violins and cellos, and some unidentifiable wind instruments. With all of these different instruments, the song takes on a very polyphonic texture. In keeping form with what the song stands for--levity-- Beach has the instruments play many of the notes as staccatos. The song also flows from overwhelming to simple with the deduction then introduction of instruments in changing passages. Additionally the many crescendos and wide range add to the lightness of the song. The meter of the song, while the song does change from fast to slow many times, consistently carries a duple beat.

I loved the complexity of this song, and the almost joking attitude that the notes played on the audience. The trills at the end, and the chords played as staccatos almost seem to physically wink at the listeners.