Overview

It is known that this sonata was composed by 1784, as it was published in that year as "Sonata Collection, Volume 2." This collection contained three works, Hob. XVI/40–42, Op. 37. All three of these piano sonatas consist of two movements, and this particular piano sonata is the first of them.

First Movement

The first movement, in G major, is marked Allegretto innocente (innocente meaning 'innocently' or 'naively') and is in 6/8 time. This movement is written in rondo form, not sonata form. The rondo theme is elaborated upon each time it recurs. Throughout the movement, regardless of whether it is the rondo theme or not, parallel motion in both hands is interwoven in various places. Furthermore, a distinctive feature is the intermittent pedal point on the tonic in the left hand for approximately the first three measures. This underlying pedal point seems to impart a sense of stability and elegance to the rondo theme, which serves as the main subject of this movement.

Second Movement

The second movement, Presto, is in 4/4 time. Like the first movement, it is written in rondo form in G major. Additionally, the tonic is sustained by repeated notes in the left hand for the first one and a half measures. The first subordinate theme is in G minor, which differs from the first movement where the first subordinate theme was also in G major. Moreover, there is an increased vivacity compared to the first movement, indicating a change in character between the two movements of this piano sonata, both of which are in the same key and rondo form.