D minor, in binary form.

• A [a (measures 1-8) + a1 (measures 9-16)]
• B [b (measures 17-24) + a1 (measures 25-32)]
• B [b (measures 33-40) + a1 (measures 41-48)]

Although the piece is structured into three large sections, the repetition of section B effectively reduces it to two sections, thus it is considered to be in binary form (A+B).

The theme is bipartite, composed of a flowing motif spanning four measures and a somewhat rugged motif characterized by ascending arpeggiated lines played staccato in the left hand. Section b frequently employs unison textures, and the sound of perfect octaves contributes to a somewhat rigid character.

Instead of a single motif developing throughout the entire piece, these rapid transitions over short durations may bear relevance to the work's title.