Soft, dissonant harmonies and a somber cello line set a tense atmosphere, reflecting the early morning judgment before Pilate. A plaintive melody from the first violin captures the foreboding and the crowd's unsettling choice.
A march-like rhythm by the cello and viola, with counterpoint from the violins, echoes the sorrowful journey to Golgotha. The music alternates between simplicity and dissonance, mirroring the physical and emotional path of suffering.
The quartet engages in dense, polyphonic textures with dynamic shifts, reflecting the chaos and anguish of the crucifixion. A climactic silence at Jesus' death is preceded by a poignant first violin solo, symbolizing His final words.
The movement starts with a reflective cello solo, leading to serene harmonies from the quartet, symbolizing the burial and sealed tomb. The music transitions from despair to contemplative peace, hinting at hope beyond sorrow.