Catacombs refer to the underground burial places of Christians persecuted during the Roman era. It is believed to be based on a painting depicting Hartmann himself exploring them with a lamp, but whether such a painting actually existed is unknown. However, the succession of heavy chords, reminiscent of the fourth piece, evokes a sense of eeriness and at times even anger. Despite being a short piece of 30 measures with a wide range of dynamic changes, it leaves a deeply impressive lingering impression.

What follows is the section titled Cum mortuis in lingua mortua (With the Dead in a Dead Language). It is a variation of the Promenade, likely expressing a feeling of being unable to escape the lingering impression of Catacombs. The transition from a somber harmonic mood to gradually brighter harmonies, while the right hand plays a tremolo, is particularly striking.