The opening, marked by fluctuating time signatures of 3/8, 4/8, and 6/8 and presented with abundant hemiolas, demands a strong sense of pulse at an Allegro tempo. Furthermore, high technical skill is required for the two-note contrary motion leaps in the right hand (which sometimes progress contrapuntally) and the chordal leaps in the left hand. Although this etude is characterized by intense movement and expression throughout, its intensity does not exist for the sake of intensity itself or as a mere display of transcendental virtuosity. Instead, it firmly contains nuanced harmonic progressions and melodies meticulously crafted by Rachmaninoff. This aspect serves as both an attraction for the listener and a formidable challenge for the performer.