Schubert had composed numerous piano sonatas up to this point, but this work became his first published piece in this genre. Its publication was exceptionally swift, less than a year after its composition in May 1825. It was dedicated to Archduke Rudolf, famously known as a patron of Beethoven.

In this year, Schubert produced three piano sonatas (Nos. 15-17), including unfinished ones. While Schubert's previous piano sonatas often featured three movements, from this sonata onwards, he consistently adopted a four-movement structure. This work can be considered a very well-balanced sonata overall, both in terms of length and the thematic contrast between movements.

First Movement: Moderato, A minor, 2/2 time. Sonata form. The "question and answer" structure of the opening theme is similar to that of No. 15, but frequent modulations, unlike in the previous work, are confined to the development section.

Second Movement: Andante poco mosso, C major, 3/8 time. Variation form. Consists of a theme and five variations. The theme, though tranquil, already exhibits tonal shifts and is presented through brilliant variations and variations with rich textures that suggest harmonic changes.

Third Movement: Scherzo. Allegro vivace, A minor, 3/4 time. Composed of a Scherzo section that utilizes a light and sharp opening motif, and a tranquil, lullaby-like Trio section marked Un poco più lento.

Fourth Movement: Rondo. Allegro vivace, A minor, 2/4 time. It rushes through, centered around an improvisatory rondo theme dominated by eighth notes. Yet, within this, half notes played forte and quarter notes adorned with trills provide accents.