Dedicated to Princess Anna Czartoryska, née Princess Sapieha, wife of Prince Adam Czartoryski. The Krakowiak is a Polish folk dance in 2/4 time, originating from the Kraków region, characterized by a circular movement with light sideways jumps.

The introduction features chords played by horns and strings, followed by a unison melody played by both hands. After this gentle section, a sudden shift leads to an intense passage, introducing the rondo theme in 2/4 time. In addition to this theme, a secondary scherzando-like rondo theme, written in D minor (the parallel key of the tonic), is also presented. The piece then develops as these two themes are varied. Throughout the piece, sections featuring orchestral tutti are inserted, serving as transitional bridges. The piece concludes with a coda derived from the rondo theme.