When one thinks of a storm in D minor, Beethoven's "Tempest" comes to mind, but unlike its quiet opening, this piece is tumultuous from the very beginning. The wind and rain intensify, and finally, at measure 14, lightning flashes across the dark sky (twice if repeated). Eventually, the thunder recedes, and the sun emerges from behind the clouds to illuminate the wet ground. This piece musically depicts such a drama of nature.

Performance Points (Original Tempo ♩=152)

• It is crucial that the sixteenth-note rest at the beginning of the beat is not held too long; rhythmic precision is essential.
• The octave tremolo representing thunder (2 measures) is easy to crescendo but surprisingly difficult to decrescendo.
• Overall, this piece tends to become entirely forte. Listen carefully to the sound and adjust, including the pedal.
• In passages with many stepwise motions, such as measures 6 and 8, use the pedal sparingly.
• From measure 9, emphasize the alternating accents between the left and right hands to build intensity, leading to the diminished seventh chord at measure 14.
• After the recitative in the coda, ensure that the left-hand rhythm at the a tempo section does not falter.

(From To-on Edition "Burgmüller 18 Etudes" (NS61))