No. 3, "Dawn"

E-flat major, Liberamente – Presto – Lento elegiaco, Ternary form

Although the written key signature and final chord indicate E-flat major, the music is generally colored by whole-tone harmonies, making the tonality ambiguous. The first half, which can be considered an introductory section, develops based on the dominant B-flat, unfolding gradually as if the fragrance of morning is rising. Here, too, the ostinato motif that permeates the entire piece forms its core. The music gradually builds, expanding from pp to f, but eventually fades away to ppp while repeating the main motif. The subsequent middle section generally develops over a bass on the tonic E-flat, but the music proceeds with the sense of tonality remaining ambiguous. It builds to an almost Scriabin-esque ecstasy, accompanied by what can be described as Palmgren's unique harmonic sensibility. However, in a sudden turn, the latter half remains at a pp dynamic, with no further increase in volume required thereafter. Repeating a passage that can be seen as a shortened version of the first half, the piece finally reaches a pppp as if demanding the disappearance of sound, along with a deceleration of tempo.