Built almost entirely on a three-note motive, Sonata is dark, emotional and expressive. After the understated first movement, Minuet, the second movement Elegy is also initially restrained, finally breaking free and opening into a dramatic climax that spans the entire range of the instrument. The wild Toccata closes the piece with a rush of notes.

The original version for viola has been transcribed into versions for cello and for violin.