These three repeats prove to be vital for the whole composition: Most other themes start with three repeats, the timpani gives a three beat rhythm to the section where the girl wants to go to the lake, the church bells ring three times each at eight o'clock, the water goblin knocks three times on the door.
These three repeats are vital for the entire composition: Most other themes begin with three repetitions, the timpani introduces a three-beat rhythm in the section where the girl wants to go to the lake, church bells ring three times at eight o'clock, and the water goblin knocks three times on the door.