The opening Allegro begins with a plaintive, somewhat striving glide in triple meter. The second theme is every bit as lyrical as the first, and its tone is more relaxed, even a bit optimistic. These themes and moods are both worked over for the rest of the movement enroute to the no-nonsense ending. The texture is very much alive, and melodies can emerge from any part of it.

The second movement is marked Alla Polka: Allegretto scherzando. It is moderate in tempo, elegant in stride, and mostly confident and a bit wistful in tone. It starts with a melody that is heavily ornamented with grace notes, and features a central section that glides in a contrasting triple meter.

The subsequent Adagio is slightly brooding and preoccupied in tone. It starts out with an introspective and contemplative opening whose style is hymnal. The texture gradually grows livelier, and some prominent pizzicato lines add some color contrast.

The concluding Poco allegro is a driving finale, springing from some propulsive rhythms, feisty figurations, and intense, motivically driven singing lines. There are still obstacles to be overcome here and they are by no means all vanquished by the end.

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