It consists of two movements, Andante and Prestissimo volando, and is one of Scriabin's shortest piano sonatas (a typical performance takes about 8 minutes).
The sonata is generally considered to be the beginning of Scriabin's middle period due to the newly mystical sonorities and tonal ambiguity of the first movement.
[2] The sonata is written in a post-Romantic style, similar to Scriabin's other works of the time.
A more Romantic idea is the use of cyclic form in restating the Andante’s main theme (dolcissimo) as the ecstatic climax of the Prestissimo volando movement (Focosamente, giubiloso).
Russian composers such as Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninoff often restated the lyric theme of the finale movement as climactic coda (for example in the piano concertos).
Scriabin wrote a poem after composing this sonata that explains its meaning:[3] In a light mist, transparent vapor Lost afar and yet distinct A star gleams softly.
In this play Sheer caprice In moments I forget thee In the maelstrom that carries me I veer from thy glimmering rays.