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The 1st variation, played by violas and celli, is a figurative transformation of the 1st theme, in regular sixteenth-note rhythm.
The 2nd theme in A-flat major remains similar to the original version, only the accompanying voices are more lively.
The C-major theme is hardly changed either, only the accompaniment has been intensified, the sixteenth-triplets have become figures in thirty-second-notes. In the transition to the 2nd variation the celli pound the rhythm of the fate motif from the 1st movement.
In the 2nd variation the violas and celli play the theme in such a way that a regular rhythm in thirty-second-notes is created.
In the 3rd variation this rhythm is taken over by the 1st violins.
4th variation: double basses and celli take up the theme, the volume increases to forte, the repeated E-flat major scale forms the conclusion with a rest-point. A dominant-seventh chord on E flat pervades 4 bars with a hesitant rhythm.
In a thematic bridge a clarinet solo develops a subject that is derived from the 1st theme.
Chains of 3rds move from legato to staccato.
The 2nd theme in C major sounds triumphant and fortissimo. After its fading away the strings form a dialogue passage with question and answer.
5th variation: flutes, clarinets and bassoon sound the A-flat minor theme in octaves, creating a peculiar impression as regards sound and rhythm. Taken up by the woodwinds this has the effect of a funeral march. 3 octaves of the E-major scale lead up to the 6th variation.
6th variation: The 1st theme is played by the 1st and 2nd violins in fortissimo, imitated by the woodwinds: a free form of canon-like poliphony is the result.
The Coda is formed by motifs taken from the 1st theme. The bassoon takes up the motif from the thematic bridge, a derivation of the theme, brief pounded sixteenth-notes in viola and celli carry on the passage.
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