The principal key is C-sharp minor, and it is in ternary form.

• A [a (measures 1-8) + a1 (measures 9-16)]
• B [b (measures 17-24)]
• A1 [a2 (measures 25-32) + a3 (measures 33-40)]

Overall, the work is dominated by dynamic movements in octaves. The theme's melody descends in octaves, and its character can be inferred from the "marcato molto" (very marked/emphasized) indication. The middle section B is short, partially modulating to the relative major, E major, for four measures, and returning to the principal key via chromatic progression. From the recapitulation at measure 25, the rhythms in the left and right hands are inverted compared to the beginning.