It is believed to have been composed by Mussorgsky when he was 41 years old (1880) and was subsequently published in Moscow in the 1880s.

Written in 4/4 time, it begins with a three-measure Largo introduction. This is followed by the main section, marked Andante con moto, which is written in ternary form. The texture features a gently curving melody accompanied by the left hand. While the middle section is marked 'con sordino,' the outer sections flanking it are marked 'senza sordino.' The piece concludes with a four-measure Largo coda, which appears to be derived from the opening.