Unlike some of the sonatas written for the Auenbrugger sisters, this sonata is pianistic in sound and less capable of suggesting orchestral possibilities. Haydn's efforts to tailor the music to the sisters' wishes may reflect his susceptibility to pretty young women, a possible byproduct of his unhappy marriage.

The opening theme sparkles and Haydn treats it elaborately. An effect of chimes emerges and vanishes in the development. Bass chords spawn trills in the right hand and the music becomes ever more elaborately decorated. There is a brief flourish and the movement ends. The adagio is a conflict between the dominant recitative and the effort of a song to establish itself. After a series of questions and answers, the end is troubled and inconclusive. The final movement is more of an intellectual than a visceral pleasure. The melody is gentle and flows smoothly. The end is simple, almost modestly unobtrusive.

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