Scherzo diabolico

It shares many similarities with Chopin's B-flat minor scherzo, Op.

The scherzo begins softly, with a phrase in G minor, coloured by a chromatic A♭.

The trio, marked un poco più largamente, is completely contrasting, containing huge, loud chords.

The scherzo then returns, but in ppp, and containing an instruction to hold down the una corda and damper pedals.

Controlling the huge energy and velocity of the scherzo poses a very difficult challenge to the pianist, and its difficulty is increased on modern pianos.