Musically the piece evolves from a simple descending chromatic theme, that is transformed and developed throughout. It calls upon a variety of violin effects: low register with mute, trilled octaves and thirds, tremolo, strumming chords, glissando and harmonics, playing at the fingerboard and special bowings. The marimba makes use of resonant lower register chords with soft hammers, contrasting with strident, caustic notes of the upper keyboard with hard sticks for explosive emotions.