Chopin Scherzo No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 31

The 4 Scherzos of Frederic Chopin are some of his most popular piano pieces. Chopin took the idea of the scherzo, which had usually served as a movement within a larger structure of a sonata or symphony, and turned it into an independent piece. The four scherzos all have elements of virtuosity, drama, and lyricism, and they share some of these traits with Chopin's four Ballades, which were composed during the same period. The second scherzo has the famous dramatic opening motif and is more orchestral in scope and sonority.