“Burgmüller - Inquietude - Op. 100, No. 18” is a restless Romantic character study in E minor. The title means “uneasiness” or “anxiety,” and the music creates that feeling through quick repeated figures, nervous broken patterns, sudden accents, and constant forward motion. The piece is marked Allegro agitato, so the character is active and unsettled rather than calm or lyrical.

Measures 1–8 present the main agitated idea. The right hand moves in quick repeating figures while the left hand supports with steady bass notes and simple harmonic motion. The opening piano dynamic keeps the sound controlled at first, but the crescendo and mezzo forte marking quickly increase the tension.

Measures 9–16 continue the same restless texture and lead into the first close. The repeated patterns remain active, while the harmony and dynamic shape create a stronger sense of movement. The diminuendo and poco rallentando near the end soften the phrase and prepare the return of the opening material.

Measures 17–28 bring back the main idea and drive the piece to its ending. The a tempo marking restores the original motion, and the music again builds through crescendo into a stronger sound. The first and second endings shape the repeated section, with the final measures closing the study firmly while keeping the nervous energy of the piece intact.

Interesting fact: “Inquietude” is No. 18 from Burgmüller’s 25 Easy and Progressive Studies, Op. 100. Like many pieces in the collection, it teaches a practical technical skill—in this case, light, even, agitated finger motion—while giving the study a clear emotional character instead of making it feel like a plain exercise.