Written in 5/4 time, unusual for its era, this is Chopin's only slow movement in quintuple meter.

Opening

It should be noted that consecutive octaves occur between the melody and the bass between the 3rd and 4th beats of the 3rd measure, and this is also the case in the autograph manuscript.

Even upon entering the middle section, the left-hand accompaniment figuration remains unchanged and the key remains A-flat major, resulting in a weak contrast; however, Chopin's favored polyrhythms are employed here.

Measures 24-29

Although the recapitulation is shortened to merely six measures, after the first two measures are ornamented, it presents a development entirely different from the beginning. The third movement then concludes with a coda that resembles a conversation between the soprano and bass.

Conclusion