Diversita, means variety in Italian, and refers to the relationships between the movements. The five movements contrast alternating fast and slow movements. The three fast movements (1, 3, and 5) are almost scherzo-like with their brief crises and prevailing positive dispositions including unflagging energy. The two interspersed slow movements are dissimilar. Movement two is quite serious with a melancholy effect. Movement four begins and ends with passages using contrasting mutes creating an element of mystery surrounding a middle section that has a strong central climax. The contrasting treatment of these five movements reflects the diversity connoted in the title while an essential unifying spirit is found in the frequently encountered scherzo element.
