Donald Francis Tovey wrote, "The second sonata is flawless in execution and entirely beyond the range of Haydn and Mozart in harmonic and dramatic thought, except in the Finale.

Tovey wrote, "The opening of the second subject in the first movement is a wonderful example of the harmonic principle previously mentioned...In all music, nothing equally dramatic can be found before the D minor sonata, Op.

The opening imitates the style of a string quartet and features a staccato pizzicato-like bass against lyrical chords.

Tovey wrote, "The slow movement shows a thrilling solemnity that immediately proves the identity of the pupil of Haydn with the creator of the 9th symphony.

The A minor trio section adds contrast to the cheerful opening material of this movement.

A simple but elegant V7–I perfect cadence closes the entire work in the lower register, played piano.