Moderato, C major, 4/4 time. Sonata form.

Even for Schubert, known for his fondness for modulation, such bold harmonic treatment is unprecedented in his earlier sonatas. The choice of C major as the key and the tonally ambiguous melody in unison at the beginning hint at music that freely traverses all keys. Along with the harmony, the syncopated rhythms and emphasized notes, created by appoggiaturas and accent marks, powerfully consolidate the music.