Form

In D major, the piece is in binary form with an introduction and a coda.

• Introduction (mm. 1-4)
• A [a (mm. 5-8) + a1 (mm. 9-12)]
• B [b (mm. 13-16) + concluding c (mm. 17-20)]
• Coda (mm. 21-25)

The time signature is 2/2, notated as alla breve. At the beginning of the introduction, the minor triad on the second beat sounds as if it were the tonic chord of G minor, suggesting a minor key opening. However, the true nature of this chord is the borrowed subdominant chord (IV). While the tonal center remains ambiguous in measures 1-2, a clear major-key brightness emerges in measures 3-4 as a figure containing characteristic diatonic notes of D major is formed. It evokes a scene reminiscent of dawn.

In the main theme section A, there is no significant movement; the tonic note is sustained, and the gentle stepwise motion conveys the nuance of the work's title. Sub-phrase b ascends with a leap; perhaps this depicts a scene of stretching or reaching up. In the latter half of sub-phrase c, the borrowed subdominant chord (IV) used in the introduction reappears, leading to the coda. The piece concludes with a gentle ascent amidst the sound of the D major tonic chord. Overall, the harmonic and motivic movements throughout the piece easily evoke imagery, suggesting that performers should consider the unique title in their interpretation.