Scherzino, Op.11 No.3

Description

The Scherzino is the third piece of Rimsky-Korsakov's piano set Op. 11. The set consists of four pieces, Impromptu, Novelette, Scherzino and Etude, and scherzino means a little scherzo, a short piece of light, playful character. Leaving behind the B major and B minor of the first two, it moves to A major.

It is in A major and 2/4. At under two minutes it is the shortest piece in Op. 11, yet it has 881 notes, a density of nearly eight a second. The range runs from F-sharp 2 to B6; it makes little use of the deep bass and, within Op. 11, sits noticeably towards the upper register.

It is rated intermediate, but its density means quick fingers are needed to keep it light. To bring out the lightness a scherzino calls for, keep the notes even with small, relaxed movements rather than force. Start by lowering the playback speed to check the note patterns, watch how the hands share the work with the hand colours, and practise the fast figures with A-B looping, raising the speed a little at a time. No more than 61 keys are needed.

Works in scherzo form, known for its playful character, including Chopin's four scherzos that blend wit with dramatic power.