Solemn V7 arpeggiated chords announce the arrival of winter. From measure 3 to 12, a C pedal point is sustained in the bass. Simple quarter notes follow in Andante, and the inner voice chords gradually descend. A dark and sorrowful melody unfolds.

 From measure 13, Poco animato eighth-note arpeggios dominate the middle register. The melody becomes a gentle flow, modulating to E-flat major from measure 17 to 23. It proceeds as if in deep contemplation. The bass sustains a G note, then descends E-flat - B-natural - A-flat. In a homophonic style, the melody and arpeggios intertwine.

 From measure 24, the recapitulation begins. Both hands play octave chords, stepping deliberately note by note. The theme appears as octave chords in the left hand, increasing in gravitas. The C pedal point in the bass is sustained. It evokes trees standing motionless in a silent forest. The chords reach a climax in a series of cries, powerfully moving towards the V chord.