Although the work employs serial procedures, the style of piano writing is deeply rooted in the Romantic tradition combined with Rautavaara's idiosyncratic mysticism.

The first movement (In Viaggio) opens with the pianist playing soft, rippling figurations, accompanied by fragmentary calls by woodwinds.

The passionate strings re-enter, with rhythmic interjections from brass and percussion, and the music rises to a climax.

The piano starts off solo with a simple melody with accompanying chords in the left hand, and the strings and woodwinds soon join in the peaceful repose.

The last movement (Uccelli sulle passioni) opens with a subdued interplay between piano, castanets, and pizzicato strings.