This fantasy in song form, develops an expressive melody in Eb minor. Its characteristic iambic rhythm is announced in the initial bars of the ostinato piano accompaniment. The central section contrasts by its diversified themes and its tonal mobility. A tight recapitulation in the treble register is dramatically interrupted before the coda.

Collected and harmonically dense, the last bars resound like a last breath, tone painting the 'in manus tuas domine commendo spiritum meum' (Ps. 31,6).