The Kinderszenen (“Scenes from Childhood”) is a cycle of 13 short piano pieces, each representing a scene, titled at the beginning of the movement. Each scene is a touching tribute to the eternal, universal memories and feelings of childhood, seen from a nostalgic adult perspective. Contrary to what the title may suggest, the Kinderszenen are not intended to be played by children. "Almost too serious" has a meditative and sad character, in complete contrast to the piece that precedes it.