Second Movement

B-flat major, 3/4 time, Scherzo

The main section features a theme consisting of the repetition of a short motif with a dotted-rhythm anacrusis. In the classical four-movement structure, there are no other examples in sonatas where the scherzo is placed as the second movement (although in Sonata No. 18, a scherzo in 2/4 time is placed as the second movement, the third movement is a minuet, so it cannot be understood in the same context). Such placement is seen in works like Symphony No. 9, Op. 125.

The Trio is in the parallel minor, B-flat minor. It returns to the main section after a transition of scale passages in Presto 2/4 time, ascending through the entire available range in Prestissimo. There are no repeat signs or da capo indications.