There is a haunting, melancholy feel to this prelude. The sun has set and the shadows have begun to spread across the land. There is an uneasy stillness which is punctuated now and then by small ripples of notes, disturbing the placid calm of a lake at evening. Midway through, the left hand pattern doubles in speed, but the arpeggios require a light touch to maintain the air of tranquility. The moon has risen and casts her pale light upon the land.