Scherzo: Allegro vivace, A-flat major, 3/4 time

This movement adopts a compound ternary form, typical of a scherzo, consisting of a Main Section (ABA') – Trio Section (CDC') – and a Da Capo of the Main Section. However, it significantly surpasses the scale of previous piano sonatas, particularly due to the diversity of material in the middle part of the Main Section.

The opening theme commences briskly in A-flat major. Initially, a left-hand rhythm of a quarter note plus a long note is presented; from measure 5, this rhythm contracts to a quarter note plus a half note, a rhythmic figure that comes to characterize Section A. After the opening section concludes in the dominant key of E-flat major (measure 12), the melody develops in E-flat major, supported by this rhythmic figure in the accompaniment, leading to a repeat sign.

The middle section begins with a canon where the right hand follows a legato melody played by the left hand. Modulating from E-flat major through E-flat minor to G-flat major, an abrupt half cadence in F-sharp minor appears, utilizing enharmonic relationships. Serving as a pivot, a subsequent section primarily based on sequences follows, leading to the return of Section A (measure 83). In this recapitulation, a modification is made to remain in the tonic key by restating the B-flat from measure 13 as E-flat in measure 95.

The Trio section contrasts with the Main Section, which is characterized by a quarter note plus half note accompaniment rhythm, by being based on a flowing eighth-note accompaniment. However, the appearance of a half note plus quarter note rhythm in the middle part (Section D) rhythmically links the Main Section and the Trio Section.