The first movement Andante, in sonata form, begins with echoing effects, followed by two lyrically themed sections.
After a short climax in the development, the piece modulates to E major (also C-sharp minor) for the recapitulation and lyrical sections are restated with a slightly more complicated accompaniment.
The precedent of Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata allowed Scriabin the luxury of an opening slow movement to his Second Sonata, whose programme reads thus: "The first section represents the quiet of a southern night on the seashore; the development is the dark agitation of the deep, deep sea.
The E major middle section shows caressing moonlight coming up after the first darkness of night.
"[1] Typical of Scriabin's piano sonatas, it is technically and musically demanding for the pianist.