The main key is G minor. It is in ternary form.

• A: Measures 1-8
• B: Measures 9-16
• A1: Measures 17-26

The piece begins with a melody in the left hand accompanied by chords in the right hand. This melody descends through a chromatic sequence, leading to a half cadence. The middle section B modulates to the relative major, B-flat major. This time, the roles are reversed, with the melody in the right hand. As in section A, this also features a descending chromatic progression, so one should be mindful of this continuous horizontal flow. Although it modulates to B-flat major, the use of secondary dominant chords in measures 10-13 gives it a somewhat shadowed expression even in a major key. From measure 17, the theme returns, concluding with the melody remaining in the right hand.

Since the melody consists of long phrases and is played in both low and high registers (left and right hands), one idea for richer tonal expression might be to imagine it not just with piano sounds but also with other instruments (e.g., string instruments like cello or violin).