It is in ternary form.

• A [a (measures 1-8) + a1 (measures 9-16)]
• B [b (measures 17-24) + b1 (measures 25-32)]

At measure 32, a Da Capo returns to the A section, concluding at measure 16, thus forming a ternary (A-B-A) structure.

The main key is D minor. The melody is primarily in the left hand, with the right hand providing accompaniment. The theme begins with a turn-like figure using eighth-note ornaments, and the melody continues with two dotted half notes leaping upwards. It has a waltz-like character; although in 3/4 time, it can be perceived as effectively in 6/4 time, treating two measures as a single unit, similar to many waltzes.

From measure 17, it modulates to the relative major, F major. Conversely to the A section, it begins with two dotted half notes leaping downwards. This section can be broadly interpreted as a development of the motifs from the A section.