The double bass repertoire is lacking in large romantic works, and this sonata was deliberately planned in an attempt to plug this gap. The first movement is in broad sonata form with the emphasis placed on lyrical thematic writing, though with a big contrapuntal workout in the development. The second movement is a short frenetic scherzo with a good deal of jagged rhythmic elements. The finale consists of a broad theme followed by a set of four extended variations and a coda. The variations are linked by short recapitulations of the opening theme. Double Bass parts in solo tuning and orchestral tuning are included.