For much of its length this work feels quite unsettled, emotionally and harmonically.

The opening Allegro begins by groping its way, establishing the work's harmonic uncertainty, and not quite sure if it wants to address certain dramatic concerns. Dvorak's characteristic homespun lyricism tries to break through, but has trouble doing so. In the development the dramatic element will no longer be denied, and pervasive triplets often fuel the urgency.

The second movement, Molto cantabile, is more settled. It walks the line between the end of powerful sadness and the thanksgiving that often follows it. Sections of clear emotional import alternate with those that are uncertain.

The third movement is an impetuous allegro vivo scherzo, mildly dramatic in feeling. The trio is more mellow in tone, bespeaking the joy and wisdom of a life fully lived. Figurations in the string writing occasionally rise to a virtuosic level, and the movement concludes with a resigned minor-mode ending.

The vivace finale starts out in a slightly dramatic mood, with a few bumpy hemiolas adding intrigue to the rhythm. The second theme extends rather than relieves the dramatic ardor. Rhythm that is sometimes vigorous and sometimes langorous helps propel the music onward.

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