About this Piece

Quite understandably the Second Scherzo is the most often played of the four. Not only are the materials appealing, but the structure is so strong and the parts have such unity that the whole sustains complete interest throughout. The entry to the piece immediately captures attention, as there are two soft figures followed by a loud reply; this is repeated with the loud reply extended. This combination continues with other bravura material added until the main theme enters, in a lovely introspective passage. The remainder of the piece deals mainly with these materials; there are many brilliant passages leading to a close in full throttle.