Grieg's only piano sonata, it consists of four movements. Grieg's own performance in London has been preserved through recordings and is known today. Compared to contemporary piano sonatas, its technical difficulty is not high. Its structure, employing cyclic form, makes the overall impression and actual scale of the piece compact.

First Movement

The first movement is Allegro moderato in E minor. The melody of the main theme descends over a range exceeding one octave. Accompanying it are arpeggiated chords spanning a range also exceeding one octave, creating a dynamic impression. The development section begins in A-flat major, a major third relationship to the tonic E minor, and the time signature changes from 2/4 to 6/8.

Second Movement

The second movement is Andante molto in C major. A sweet, folk-like melody is sung.

Third Movement

The third movement is Alla Menuetto, ma poco più lento in E minor. The main motive of the first movement's first theme is treated cyclically. The triplet rhythm is characteristic.

Fourth Movement

The fourth movement is a Molto allegro finale in E minor. It is written in 6/8 time, as if inheriting the characteristic triplet rhythm from the third movement. The lively rhythm gives the piece momentum. Occasionally, the beautiful motive from the second movement is recalled, and in the coda, it resounds triumphantly.