Wieniawski's Scherzo-Tarentelle, Op. 16, is a stunning feat of breakneck speed and left-hand agility. It is patterned on the Italian folk dance known as the tarantella, a dance that, according to ancient legend, was the prescribed way of warding off madness or death believed to result from the bite of certain spiders. Traditionally, the dance is in 6/8 time, with many fast-moving notes; so it is with Wieniawski's rendition, in which the frenzy is twice interrupted briefly by a slower, lyrical section before returning to the whirling of the dance. As the "scherzo" in the title indicates, it should be played with as much lightness and playfulness as the performer can muster at that speed!

This edition for violin and piano is edited by Zino Francescatti. Published by the International Music Company.

Difficulty: ASTA grade 5

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