The opening theme of the piece is simple and lyrical. The first movement is in sonata form, with the lyricism and simple sincerity of the first theme contrasted with a chromatic, angular second theme. The two themes are rigorously developed after the exposition, almost unrecognizably transformed. Prokofiev's love for the first theme is reinforced in the recapitulation, where only this theme is heard: the second theme and bridge material are eliminated. The second movement is typical Prokofiev, a virtuosic, "grotesque" Scherzo. It is cast in rondo form, and is full of numerous and sudden shifts of articulation and accent. It is music in which "images of sneering sarcasm and sinister forces predominate." In the final movement, Prokofiev returns to the calm, lyrical character of the opening movement, but with added harmonic color. This final movement is a work of ingenious thematic integration, realized in the large coda: the lyrical theme of the finale is played in the orchestra, against the "pensive," lyrical first theme from the opening movement, played by the solo violin.
0:00 - Andantino
10:08 - Scherzo: Vivacissimo
13:47 - Moderato - Allegro moderato