It is in ternary form:

• A [a (measures 1-4) + a1 (measures 5-8)]
• B [b (measures 9-12) + b1 (measures 13-16)]
• A1 [a (measures 17-20) + a2 (measures 21-24)]

The main key is G minor. The tempo marking is Tempo di tango (in the rhythm of a tango), but tango is a dance originating from Argentina.

While this work is not identical to a dance tango in the strict sense, it is inspired by its rhythm. Tango has several characteristic rhythms, two of which are utilized here. One is a syncopated type, with a rhythm of ♪♩♪♩ (in this work, an eighth note tied to a quarter note). The other is the "tan-go" pattern, a rhythm that imitates the name of the dance, "tango," as ♪♪♩♪♪♩. This is expressed in this work as four eighth notes followed by a quarter note.

Thus, although not strictly identical, the work evokes the atmosphere of a tango.

In the middle section B, the piece modulates to the parallel major, G major. The rhythmic motifs are shared with section A.