at 106 bars in length, the large exposition section contains most of the musical ideas presented in the first movement. after the opening whip-crack and snare drum roll, the piano is introduced, providing a methodical accompanying figure as the winds present the first subject. soon, the piano stops and the orchestra roars to life with each section adding to the theme, eventually drifting into an eerie, dream-like statement from the piano. this soliloquy is short-lived as the orchestra reenters with a blues-influenced figure, shifting between major and minor modes. the second subject begins with an awkward dissonance (a and b), but quickly establishes itself as a richly melodic section, reminiscent of gershwin's "rhapsody in blue".