The opening is marked “In a flowing manner, but with much flexibility,” which means “flowing, but with great flexibility.” It requires performance without being bound by a fixed tempo, allowing for natural undulations and breathing.

This piece possesses an Impressionistic atmosphere and appears to have been composed with Debussy's Poissons d'or (Goldfish) in mind. Overall, it exudes a fantastical and mysterious ambiance. Use the soft pedal to depict the image of goldfish quietly drifting in the water through sound. The staccato notes appearing in measure 4 are a striking passage reminiscent of sounds splashing on the water's surface, which should be expressed carefully while expanding one's imagination.

Various interpretations are possible regarding the tempo. I myself used to play it somewhat faster, but currently, I prioritize a more fantastical impression, playing at a leisurely tempo to depict goldfish gracefully and majestically drifting underwater. Playing in this manner imbues the rests with deeper meaning, allowing one to savor their lingering resonance.

From measure 41, it is marked “increasing,” and the volume builds towards ff. The tempo will also naturally accelerate gradually. Adding natural agogic variations according to the melodic contours thereafter will create richer expression. Two measures before Tempo I, there is a “quickly” indication; here, aim for a sound with a magical brilliance. After returning to Tempo I, the music gradually quiets, concluding with a sinking impression, as if the goldfish are disappearing into the depths of the water. It is a piece that leaves a lasting impression with its fantastical lingering resonance, as if the goldfish, having appeared for a moment and radiated a beautiful presence, return once more to the profound stillness.