First Movement: F minor, 4/4 time

Although often described as a concerto-style sonata form, if sonata form is understood as presupposing a tonal framework in which tonal conflicts in the first half are resolved in the second half, then this movement is a three-part form, or a two-part form, with the exposition of two themes and their recapitulation.

First, two themes are presented by the orchestra alone, in F minor and A-flat major, followed by the solo piano repeating both themes with added ornamentation. This compositional method is indeed typical of a concerto-style sonata form. The transition section is then expanded, becoming a showcase for the solo piano's virtuosic passages.

The development-like second part (m. 205–) is a transitional section primarily based on the motive of the F minor theme. As the orchestra repeats this motive in a sequential manner, the solo piano develops improvisatory passages. Once the orchestral tutti builds to the movement's climax, it quickly subsides, and the opening theme is recapitulated by the piano (m. 268–). If this movement is considered a three-part form, then this marks the beginning of the third part.

Following the F minor theme, the A-flat major theme appears immediately without a change of key. This leads into a transitional section with virtuosic passages, and the movement concludes with a coda that brings back the opening theme.