It is in C major and in binary form.

A [a (measures 1-4) + a (measures 5-8)]

B [b (measures 9-12) + a1 (measures 13-16)]

The frequent use of the dominant chord of the supertonic key (D minor) introduces a sense of darkness within the C major tonality, which contributes to the work's appeal. The theme features a distinctive motif that ascends with a dotted rhythm, followed by an unexpected descent from the high register using sixteenth notes. This perhaps expresses the depiction suggested by the work's title.