Scherzo No. 3 (Chopin)

Scherzo No. 3 in C-sharp minor, Op. 39, is a piece for solo piano composed by Frédéric Chopin in 1839. It is the third of his four scherzos for piano. While designated a scherzo, traditionally a light and playful musical form, Chopin’s scherzos, including No. 3, are large-scale, dramatic, and technically demanding works, exhibiting a more serious and virtuosic character than their title might suggest.

The piece is known for its contrasting sections and its dramatic power. It opens with a tumultuous and agitated passage in C-sharp minor. This gives way to a contrasting, more lyrical section in D-flat major (enharmonic with C-sharp major), featuring a chorale-like melody. The main theme returns, followed by further contrasting episodes and virtuosic passages. The scherzo incorporates elements of Polish folk music, particularly in its rhythmic character. The work concludes with a powerful and dramatic coda.

Scherzo No. 3 is considered one of Chopin's most important and challenging works for piano, frequently performed and studied by pianists. Its enduring popularity lies in its combination of technical brilliance, emotional depth, and inventive musical structure.