Structures of Beethoven's Scherzos
Graduation Date
Fall 1974
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Program Name
Humanities
Abstract
The inclusion of the scherzo movement in multi-movement compositions such as symphonies, sonatas, and chamber music can be almost exclusively attributed to one composer: Ludwig van Beethoven. After assimilating the existing scherzo form as it appeared in the music of Joseph Haydn (still labeled minuet except for the String Quartets. Opus 33) . Beethoven set out in his inimitable fashion to explore its possibilities. Beginning by adherence to the classic structure of the minuet, adding only a few of his distinctive effects, he proceeded through experimentation to expand, shape, vary, and define the scherzo form for all composers who followed.
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