The key of B major, which is highly unusual in the Classical period,[2] sets the tone of the work, which is one of unease, restlessness and searching.
The minuet is more assertive in tone, but its confidence is undermined by a plaintive, almost solemn, trio, again in B minor.
The opening is a typical energetic theme in the violins which is rapidly taken up and developed, with the horns prominent.
The horns then burst in again with the main finale theme, but fade away and the music stutters almost to a halt.
Then, on an underlying pedal on the horns, the strings take the movement and symphony to a rapid and abrupt close.