Scherzo is best described as which of the following?

• A. A slow movement in duple meter
• B. A movement in rondo form
• C. Pertaining to the sonata form, a fast movement in triple time
• D. A lyrical aria

Answer: (C)

A scherzo is a brisk, lively movement that most often appears as the fast third movement in a multi-movement work, replacing the older minuet. The defining feel is its speed and its triple meter character, typically 3/4, which gives it that spirited, dance-like drive. Describing it as a fast movement in triple time within the sonata form context captures both its tempo and its common role in the classical sonata cycle. It isn’t a slow movement in duple meter, nor is it defined by being a vocal aria. While some scherzos can be structured with rondo-like repetition, the essential idea is the quick, energetic character in triple time, usually connected to the sonata’s overall layout.