Composer

:

Antonin Dvorák

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Scherzo

Compose Date

:

Apr 4, 1883 - May 2, 1883

Publication Date

:

1884

First Performance

:

May 16, 1883

Average_duration

:

13:39

Antonin Dvorák's Scherzo capriccioso for orchestra, B. 131 Op. 66, was composed in 1883 and premiered on December 3, 1883, in Prague. The piece is divided into two movements, with the first being a lively scherzo and the second a slower, more lyrical section. The opening of the scherzo is marked by a playful, syncopated theme in the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds and brass. The music is characterized by its rhythmic energy and lively tempo, with frequent changes in meter and dynamic contrast. The middle section of the scherzo features a more lyrical theme, which is then developed and transformed in various ways before returning to the opening material. The second movement of the piece is marked by a slower tempo and a more contemplative mood. The music is characterized by its lush harmonies and expressive melodies, with the strings and woodwinds taking center stage. The movement builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet coda. Overall, Scherzo capriccioso is a virtuosic showcase for the orchestra, with its intricate rhythms, colorful orchestration, and expressive melodies. The piece is a testament to Dvorák's skill as a composer, and remains a popular work in the orchestral repertoire to this day.

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