Ondine opens in an ethereal mood, but quickly turns playful and whimsical, with notes jumping about and swirling. A lively theme having an arch-like shape in its main subject is then presented. Soon, the music mixes dark with playful elements and gradually develops a sense of tension, though never quite shedding its ethereal cast. The work closes in playful waves and swirls of notes. Ondine typically lasts around three minutes in performance.
