Northern Scenes opens with a hymn-like melody played in canon, evoking the calm atmosphere of an old forest in the evening light. The piece moves into a lively dance section in 7/8 time. In the middle, a peaceful glockenspiel pattern leads the music under a starry sky. The forest theme then grows stronger and takes center stage before the dance theme returns to close the piece with energy. The composition combines a serene hymn style with rhythmic dance elements. As a fun detail, the well-known musical phrase “The Lick” is subtly woven into the piece.