The piece presents a very classical harmony: it is in G minor, with the sub-dominant C minor and the major dominant D major acting as opposing protagonists. The delightful dualism that arises between these two chords is as if two strangers were engaging in a lively negotiation. No chord we hear is in root position, instead always in the first or second inversion, which creates a harmonic limbo. There is also no classical resolution of the harmony: it remains constantly in this mode of negotiation; the conversation of the protagonists remains unresolved, so to speak.