Scherzo Op. 68

The fundamental expression of this Scherzo is one of joyful energy. In form, it is a developed rondo, comprising three statements of the main theme (or rather of the main group of themes) and two episodes, together with an introduction, bridge passages and a coda. In each of the three statements of the main group of themes one particular theme appears at the climax, and from it the melodic and rhythmic motifs of the work are all derived. This basic theme is an African melody that has been sung since 1852 by people of African descent in Guiana, South America, in celebration of the abolition of slavery there in that year.