The second movement is set in the relative minor key of e minor, and is sarabande-like (according to Bach scholar Michael Marissen) - moderately slow tempo, triple meter, with a tendency to accent the second beat of the measure. in this movement, the ripieno continues to play a secondary role, almost never performing melodic material on its own (there is one notable exception: the prominent bass/continuo melodic statement in measures 55-58). Meanwhile, the flutes really take the lead over the solo violin, with the first flute playing the most elaborate passages in this movement. The movement remains in the minor mode throughout, never hinting towards the relative major key of G heard in the outer movements. The effect can be seen as more solemn than somber.