[1] Composed in Cleveland in 1923, the work was markedly innovative for its time[2] and has been described as "suffused with tension",[3] and as embodying a "grim, angry, yet ultimately redemptive vision".
[1] There are three movements: The work is based around a motto theme built from ascending and descending fourths.
The first movement falls roughly into the shape of a sonata allegro, and contrasts material of a grim tone with more mysterious, reflective moments.
The second movement is mournful and builds to a huge climax before fading away.
The final movement is more rhapsodic in nature contrasting reflective and energetic passages, before ending on a perfect cadence with a sense of serene resolution.