Paganini launched his set of 18 "medleys of sonatas," as the group is sometimes translated, with a typically charming three-movement duo for violin and guitar that really has nothing to do with sonata form; this is merely a series of entertaining salon pieces.

The first movement is a short but dramatic Introduction marked Larghetto; it has an overriding feeling of agitation. The violin plays jagged gestures over a swirling guitar accompaniment. Very soon this gives way to the Allegro maestoso, marked "in march tempo." It has the snap almost of a jig, but the minor key gives it an unusual character. At the center of the movement is a highly lyrical section, typical of Paganini's cantabile writing, before the march resumes. The final movement carries the odd designation—but not unique in this collection—of Rondoncino. It's an easygoing allegro whose recurring refrain is a melody full of little turns. The succeeding sections involve some decisive attacks, quick writing, and an extended pizzicato passage, but nothing nearly as difficult as what Paganini concocted for concert use. Throughout, the guitar takes a secondary but by no means negligible role.

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