Symphony No. 2: II. Scherzo

Symphony No. 2: Mvt. II. Scherzo reflects the determination of a composer who overcame barriers to formal study, ultimately composing eight symphonies and earning recognition for her powerful orchestral voice. The Scherzo movement is full of contrast and character, offering students rich opportunities to explore varied bow strokes, including staccato and legato, while navigating lively shifts in style. Conversational writing between sections encourages active listening across the orchestra, with low strings challenged just as fully as the violins. Chromatic passages—supported by clearly written fingerings—develop intonation skills, while required shifting in the cello and bass builds technique, and an optional, accessible timpani part adds an exciting low-end boost to the ensemble sound.