The slow movement contrasts a songlike theme with a more flowing, syncopated episode. The episode concludes with a series of syncopated chords, disintegrating into a sigh of infinite poignancy. The reprise of the main theme itself is given to the pianist's left hand, while the right adds a quasi violin obbligato, complete with an imitation of portamento, or expressive glissando. The theme's final return, following the second episode, fuses the movement's two main ideas, with the syncopated rhythm now incorporated into the accompaniment. Syncopation is also the mainstay of the Scherzo, whose emphatic theme appears to alternate between three and two beats to the bar. Eventually the theme gives way to a haunting Landler, using the same playful rhythm. The l.andler is to make a reappearance following the Trio, in a coda whose calm provides a natural transition to the gentle rondo finale.