Completed in 1837, this is the most famous of Chopin's 6 scherzos.
Although the meaning of scherzo in Italian is "joke" and this term in music is used to describe a light hearted and playful piano piece, with Chopin the term takes a different meaning: it is music filled with drama, restlessness and mystery, sometimes even taking terrifying dimensions.
"Scherzo No 2" opens with a soft tone and timid question, answered by a powerful and contemptuous statement. This opening creates a sense of mystery and terror. Chopin wanted this opening to be played just like you feel when you are in a mortuary. But after the initial terror, there is beautiful melody coming, although still with tension, imitating a love song. The questioning voice returns but this time to speak at a greater length and with more confidence, and the answer is given not with scorn anymore but with complete accord.
A fascinating piece which someone may imagine that represents a quarrel between two lovers, full of drama and love. As Schumann has compared this music to a poem by Byron: " It is so overflowing with tenderness, boldness, love and contempt".
Suggested title for this piece: "Tumultuous love"