The "tree cycle" is one of the finest examples of the composer's sensitive, poetic writings: "the trees speak" to him. This is one of Sibelius' most famous piano works. The main theme of this piece is first introduced by its rhythm on the first measure, with the full melody coming only on the fifth measure. The effect is that of a strange familiarity with the main theme when we first hear it. The contrast between light and dark, gentle and grand is also an important element in this piece.