[2] The sonata is in four movements:[2][3] It is the only one of Alkan's chamber works for which the composer provided metronome markings, although in performance the speeds prescribed are problematic.

In the development section, a "striding new theme"[2] in C minor may have been inspired by a similar introduction in Beethoven's Eroica Symphony, and anticipates moves in compositions by Brahms.

[2] The second movement begins with a simple siciliano theme, which "gradually becomes infected with slightly twisted 'wrong' notes, and even more peculiarly biting harmonies",[2] sounding satirical and ironic.

[2] The third movement, Adagio, is accompanied in the score by a quote from the Book of Micah: "As dew from the Lord, as a shower upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man …".

[2] The sonata was regarded as "among the most difficult and ambitious in the romantic repertoire ... anticipating Mahler in its juxtaposition of the sublime and the trivial".