D Major - Research on Harmony - Variations 15

F#7 — the third of D Major at its extreme high, where seagreen dissolves toward silver-white. The étude climbs from D2 in the dark bass to F#7 at the crest, an arch across six octaves in six notes. The highest point in this series, the third reaching further above the staff than any other variation.

In four, Lent, mp — an unhurried arch, the melody breathing across its full span. D2, D3, A3, D4, D5 build the bass and middle register before the line leaps to F#7. Four roots and a fifth occupy the lower register; only the single F#7 represents the third, and it does so at the very top of the piano's range, its cool green become almost white at that height.

The bass is dark and rootward; the peak is barely colored light. Six notes, a wide arch, the étude reaching the far end of the keyboard before returning.