Although written in a minor key, from the author's personal perspective, this first movement is by no means a somber piece of music; rather, it feels like a very majestic and dramatic one. The texture is also thick, and it should be considered closer to the image of an orchestra rather than a string quartet ensemble.

The impressive theme appears in many keys, such as F-sharp minor, A major, E major, G-sharp minor, and C-sharp minor; therefore, ensure that the atmosphere differs each time it appears, and never play it the same way. Although the piece is marked Moderato, the precision of timing is an extremely important element in this first movement, to the extent that one might want to add "giusto" after it (however, this excludes the fermata sections that resemble vocal recitative). Do not neglect to count the timing of rests and other elements precisely.

Furthermore, like an orchestra, ensure a wide dynamic range.