Although Haydn is not quite himself in this youthful work, the voyage of self-discovery is under way and it has a sense of freedom. The gaiety and wit of the composer is evident and the sonata has an unforced and natural air.

The first movement has a slightly gawky theme that is quickly absorbed in a relational struggle between bass and sweeping treble. It is slightly rowdy but returns reflectively to the earlier material and closes quietly on a mild flurry of syncopation. The second movement has a simple theme that gets stretched out of shape over a dark questioning movement in the bass. It close softly after an extravagant but mostly quiet journey of exploration. If the first two movements were meditative, although often tongue-in- cheek, the short last movement sweeps away all quiet reflection. It is a shower of dancing sound that races to a hearty climax.

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