E-flat minor

The progression of the four notes (G-flat - F - G-flat - E-flat) in the opening theme evokes 'Dies Irae' from Gregorian chant, while the arpeggio of the diminished seventh chord in the bass from measures 3-4, conveying anxiety and fear, recalls measures 31-34 of the first piece, Intermezzo.

From measure 41, the piece modulates to G-flat major, and the musical flow shifts from long, sustained legato to chordal leaps played sotto voce, reminiscent of the opening of the third piece, Ballade. This motif gains momentum and, from measure 53, proclaims the four-note opening theme. At measure 63, it returns to the initial tranquility, and from measure 67, a ray of light emerges with the sound of C-flat major, but at measure 83, it exhausts its strength with an sff E-flat minor chord, expiring lento.