Unusually for the composer, this Scherzo is based on a twelve-tone row, where all twelve chromatic notes within the octave are treated thematically.  This thematic idea was the basis of an assignment for the composer’s Master Degree.  Written in 2004, the Scherzo is in ternary form with a short introductory section that builds up the theme in the strings, with interruptions from the piano.  Whereas the outer parts of the ternary structure are rhythmically complex, mainly based on irregular time-signatures, the central section is more rhythmically stable and uses an ostinato pattern and a ‘singing’ melody (cantabile).

This piece won a composition prize in the 2005 Thames Valley University competition for a piece for Piano Quartet.