No. 12 in C-sharp minor

The piece opens with an introduction featuring a powerful theme characterized by appoggiaturas. This is followed by slow-tempo improvisatory passages based on the same theme, after which an Allegro gypsy-style theme (in E major), bell-like passages, and other elements emerge. After the return of the opening theme, emphasized by appoggiaturas, the music transitions into a fast section in D-flat major (an enharmonic reinterpretation of the parallel major of C-sharp minor) (Allegretto giocoso – Stretta Vivace). Finally, it becomes Adagio for just one measure, and the theme with appoggiaturas reappears, but quickly turns into Presto, dramatically concluding the piece.

Dedicated to the violinist Joseph Joachim.