Allegretto, 4/4 time, G minor.

The 'Pihlaja' in the title refers to a type of rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia), also found in mountainous regions and northern Japan. In Finland, the pihlaja tree has long been called the 'tree of the gods' and is deeply cherished by the Finnish people, even appearing on Moomin plates, a beloved national character. In June, as the summer solstice approaches, it blooms with lovely white flowers, becoming a characteristic sight of Finland's short summer. Although the piece begins in 4/4 time, the time signature changes rapidly in the first half, shifting from 4/4 to 2/4 and 3/4 time, often on a bar-by-bar basis. While merely looking at the score might give a very complex impression, listening to the actual performance reveals that the complexity of the changing meters is hardly felt, and Sibelius's characteristic flowing music is beautiful.

As the piece enters its latter half, the time signature settles into 2/4, and a syncopated rhythm emerges in the left hand. Although written in G minor (with two flats), the entire piece is adorned with colorful harmonic progressions influenced by French Impressionism. The way it transforms from G minor to G major towards the end is so beautiful that it elicits an involuntary sigh.