First Movement: A major, 6/8 time, Theme and Variations

The barcarolle-like theme, based on three voices, has repeat signs for its first 8 measures and subsequent 10 measures. In the first variation, the upper voice's figuration is decoratively varied, and in the second variation, the theme's melody is again decoratively varied, based on a sixteenth-note triplet accompaniment. The third variation shifts to the parallel minor (A minor), and the ornamental figuration, which previously included rests, is now adorned with continuous ascending and descending scalic ornamentation. It could be argued that the figuration here bears a kinship with the motif of the third movement. From the fourth variation, the tonality returns to the tonic key, and the left hand, crossing over, takes on both the bass and the melody. Such virtuosic and visual elements were likely important aspects for a theme and variations. In the fifth variation, the tempo drops to Adagio for the first time, creating a striking contrast with the acrobatic fourth variation. The melody is then adorned with even finer ornamentation before leading into the lively sixth variation. The time signature changes to 4/4 and the tempo to Allegro, incorporating all manner of ornamental techniques such as swirling figurations, arpeggios, and scale passages to conclude the movement. It is worth noting that the swirling figuration at the beginning of this variation resonates with the material of the march theme in the final movement.