III. Conclusion and Thoughts

In my opinion there are two most significant moments of the piece. The first climatic moment is from measures 62 through to the fermata at 68. This is were the sixteenth pattern is accelerating and the dynamics are building from forte to fortissimo expressing Gretchen's inexplicable desires. This is also the point where the sixteenth note rhythmic pattern ends, she has let go of the wheel and letting herself go completely to Faust. All is quiet. Then the spinning wheel continues, a seemingly endless cycle of her emotions. 

I believe that the second most climatic moment is when Gretchen completely gives into her fantasy of kissing Faust. I feel that all moments since measure 68 lead to the phrase "I would be lost" at measures 107 and 111. The Soprano reaches the highest notes of the piece, holding for almost the entire measure, exploring the loss of herself in her fantasy. The song concludes as it should, with Gretchen having no where to go, continuously lost in her day dream.