Haydn abandons simplicity in this extraordinary sonata. Trills dominate the opening from which emerges an almost orchestral confluence of voices with a firm melody that ranges over the whole of Haydn's keyboard. It is a brawny theme and Hydn treats it athletically. There is an interchange of voices at the colorful close. The second movement is a strong contrast with its inward motion making a voyage of varied treatments. Haydn extends the melodic line, dips into deep bass waters and resurfaces with a more intense version of his theme. He sharpens his vision with small and carefully planted discords. As with the end of many of his works of this period, the end is sudden. The third movement has the jollity, although musical, of a composer who is pleased with himself. The flow of sounds is under loose contrapuntal control. This short movement ends with a sudden two note witticism.

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