Scherzo for Today

Scherzo for Today (aka "The Mission Second Part") is a short two-minute piece composed in 1985 by John Williams for use as the closing theme of NBC's The Today Show, and was used until 1990. Like most scherzi, it is light and upbeat, and utilizes ternary or "ABA" form. The "A" theme, carried by the strings, is rather jumpy and loud, with the brass serving as a raucous accompaniment, and the "B" theme, the theme of The Today Show, is smoother and more melodic.

Scherzo for Today was introduced in tandem with several other new themes for NBC, all penned by Williams. The new music gave the program a distinctly modern and refined look. The second theme is still widely recognizable as the theme of The Today Show.