Although the exact year of composition is unknown, it is known to have been composed prior to 1780, when it was published in Vienna as "Sonata Collection, Vol. 1," comprising works Hob. XVI/35–39. This sonata collection is dedicated to the Auenbrugger sisters. It consists of three movements.

Movement 1

The first movement is in D major, in 4/4 time, marked Allegro con brio. The first theme is characterized by a converging figuration in both hands. In contrast, the second theme features an embellishing note figuration in the right hand, accompanied by thirds in the left hand. The development section (from m. 41) is relatively short, primarily developing the first theme. It then leads seamlessly into the recapitulation (from m. 61).

Movement 2

The second movement is a slow movement, in 3/4 time, marked Largo e sostenuto. It is written in D minor, the parallel minor of the first movement. Comprising two sections, a first and a second half, it is a relatively compact composition of only 19 measures. A distinctive feature of this movement's ending is that it does not conclude with a perfect cadence in any key. Instead, a D minor dominant chord with a fermata is sustained. This chord then leads attacca to the finale, written in D major, the parallel major, sharing the same dominant chord.

Movement 3

The third movement, the finale, is, as mentioned, in D major, in 2/4 time, marked Presto ma non troppo. It is in rondo form. Its theme consists of a melody characterized by an ascending figuration in the right hand, accompanied by double stops in the left hand.