Movement 2 Scherzo allegro molto B minor 3/4 time

Compound ternary form. In the exposition of the scherzo, the theme is imitated between voices. In the development section, the four-bar theme recurs with slight modifications, ascending in pitch. At measure 53, as if to release the energy previously suppressed by the pedal point continuing from the codetta, the music becomes rhythmic and powerful. These eight measures expand the range to six octaves and are repeated with the addition of violins to the melody, forming a climax. The energy, unable to be contained, erupts once more with a chromatic ascent in the bass and the urgency of the motive from measure 93. Subsequently, the voice movement subsides, but harmonic tension is maintained.

The recapitulation is contrasted with the exposition through changes in instrumentation, among other things. The long-breathed counter-melody anticipates the theme of the Meno allegro.

The Meno allegro in B major is lyrical, contrasting with the scherzo, yet both are closely related through shared melodies and motives. The combination of instruments in the melodic voices changes with each section. The overall sound gradually merges and expands, reaching its peak in the final thematic presentation where the violins play tremolo octave chords.

After the repetition of the main scherzo section, a coda based on previously presented material follows. The harmony, after alternating between the brightness of major seventh chords and the darkness of diminished seventh chords, ultimately resolves to a Picardy third.