The four movements of Winter Illuminations take the listener on an exciting journey through several scenes of the season. The first movement, Snowfall Prelude, " paints the image of drifting snowflakes through mesmerizing ostinatos and soft, jazz-inspired harmonies. In "Warm, Cozy Moments, " the second movement, the extended harmonies continue as expressive, held chords, and a dreamlike section features gentle left-hand melodic fragments and cross-hand gestures. The third movement, "Gliding on the Ice, " uses 5/4 meter, Lydian mode, and perpetual rising and falling scales to create the image of graceful ice skaters. Challenging the player's stamina and finger technique, the fourth movement, "North Wind Toccata, " includes incessant right-hand 16th notes and rising left-hand arpeggios and crossovers. Chasing-hand figures up and down the keyboard, along with rapidly changing dynamics, create an exciting conclusion to the suite.