C-sharp minor, 3/4 time, Lento

This work possesses the character of a slow movement. Challenges include the cantabile execution of the left-hand melody and the clear differentiation between the inner and outer voices of the right hand.

As in the preceding Etude, Op. 10, No. 5, “Black Key,” Chopin permits the use of the thumb on black keys in this work. Specifically, as observed in the right-hand inner voice D in measure 12, this is considered a device to facilitate a more legato performance of the inner voice.

The left-hand melody is sung expressively with a warm, cello-like timbre. The right-hand melody generally responds to the left-hand's principal melody, playing imitations of the left hand, while occasionally assuming a leading role when the left hand executes ornamental notes. The right-hand inner voice plays double stops in eighth notes, conveying a gradual transition of nuance.