Scherzo: Allegretto, E major, 3/4 time

The movement adopts a compound ternary form typical of dance movements: Main Section (ABA') – Trio Section (CDC') – Da Capo of the Main Section.

The A section of the Main Section begins in E major. An 8-measure phrase forms a unit, and the same rhythmic figure is repeated two more times, concluding in B major. These initial 24 measures are then played once more in a varied form, with the left hand taking over the melody and the right hand assuming a new scale-based accompaniment figure.

The B section begins on C natural, a semitone above B natural, and proceeds in F major, treating C as the dominant. At measure 61, a new theme appears in the right hand, supported by a left-hand accompaniment of eighth-note arpeggios. As the hands alternate, successive enharmonic modulations occur, and the opening theme returns in the tonic key at measure 87. In this theme recapitulation (A' section), the initial 24 measures return: the first 8 measures without variation, the next 8 measures in a varied form where the right hand plays scales, and the final 8 measures in a harmonically adjusted varied form to remain in the tonic key, thus closing the Main Section.

In contrast to the Main Section, which is characterized by dynamic eighth notes, the Trio Section primarily features half notes and quarter notes. The C section begins in A major and turns to E major. The D section, which is the middle part of the Trio Section, begins in G major, a major third above E major, and modulates to F-sharp major, a minor second below, within 6 measures. These 6 measures (G major – F-sharp major) are repeated as a sequence a major third higher (B major – A-sharp major), and then culminate in a general pause in E-flat major, reinterpreted from D-sharp major, a further major third higher. Following this, the tonic key of the C section returns, concluding the Trio Section.