The three ‘mechanical’ studies of this set of five all employ a clear structural technique based on regularity. The first presents a stream of fast semiquavers in duple metre which constantly interplays with short motivic figures; the second offers a 14-bar ostinato (melody) that begins at the top of the keyboard and gradually descends to the bottom; around this ostinato a sustained counter-melody weaves. The third presents a igorous, stomping 9/8 dance rhythm which interacts with lengthening pa...