Minuet

The minuet was originally a solemn courtly dance in triple time, dating from the Baroque era. A symphony often has a third movement in triple time that may be a tranquil minuet or a considerably faster scherzo. Either way, this movement usually has a three-part form with a contrasting middle section known as the Trio, the first section being repeated (ABA). Minuets follow this pattern with regularity, but scherzos are often freer in conception.