The opening Allegro spiritoso begins with several singing ideas which take some unusual melodic turns through phrases of unpredictable lengths. The opening mood of mild concern and disturbance shades over to secure confidence by the end of the exposition. The development explores some tension that continues seamlessly into the recapitulation and persists to the end thereof.

The following Adagio ma non troppo begins with a hymnal idea that is developed in some floridly ornamented melodic variations as the movement progresses. The subsequent minuet is rhythmically pointed as it dances through its disturbed and more secure moods, and the trio glides freely through visions of insouciance. The presto finale fearlessly addresses its disturbing concerns with music that is vigorous and sometimes virtuosic in its instrumental writing. One grace-noted idea becomes particularly important. In the development section Haydn uses some of his expert pauses to powerful dramatic import. This music is rarely restful or assuring, although it does take us out with a witty and positive resolution based on a two-note motif.

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