Like all of his chamber music, Strauss' sonata follows standard classical form, though it is considered the last of his works to do so. The piece is in three
movements and takes approximately thirty minutes to perform: The first movement opens with a brief piano solo, followed by lyrical violin interludes, through which the thematic material is presented. This movement follows typical
sonata-allegro form, and although it begins in a melancholy tone, the movement ends jubilantly. The second movement is unique in that it is an
Improvisation; that is, the tranquil violin passages give the impression of improvisational material. This movement maintains a beautiful singing tone throughout, and ends meditatively. It is in
ternary form. The third and final movement begins with a slow, meditative piano introduction which then leads into an exuberant
Allegro. After a rush of virtuosic passages from both performers, the sonata comes to an explosive end. ==Notable recordings==