Beginning with dense double stopped pulsing sixteenth notes which repeatedly build up in contrary motion, the opening introduces the rhythmic and contrapuntal ideas seen throughout the movement, despite its melodic theme not returning.
This brisk 2/4 movement features frequent use of syncopated groupings and off-beat entrances of eighth and sixteenth note figures which vary between being tutti and accompanimental to the melody.
In a quick 2/4 with near ever-present lines of continuous sixteenth notes in most of the sections, the returning themes of this movement are subjected to extensive motivic transformation, but are nonetheless recognizable to the listener and consistent in style.
The harmony of this movement is the most tonal of the three, beginning and ending in the same key of F major, remaining in established harmonic centers for longer sections, and utilizing more traditional cadences, tonicizations and modulations.
Alongside receiving the Polish Ministry of Culture Award nearly a decade later, her friend and colleague Witold Lutosławski remarked in particular "and her String Quartet No.