An "aubade" is a morning song; counterpart of a nocturne, it is literally a "song of the dawn." The brightness of this Aubade is in simplicity, calmness, and tonal warmth. Written as an afterthought to the Rococo Sonatina, it shares some of the same influence of light jazz and impressionism, yet melded more to a modern chamber music aesthetic than an ancient one.

The piano opens with a simple three-note theme over a calm progression of seventh chords. Echoed by the flute, the theme develops into a more flowing and graceful line, ultimately resolving on a wistful note. A brisk, bird-like section follows, elevating the mood as the flute flutters and the piano scurries. A pensive cadenza leads the music back to the serene calm of the introduction, which leads to a final jazz progression that concludes the music in a different key.