Haydn’s “Joke” has four varying movements, but each movement remains consistent with its presentation of a consistent primary theme and the alternating of voices. The Allegro moderato begins with a playful primary theme played by a lower string instrument and accompanied by the higher instruments. This theme is then developed through imitation, with each instrument taking on the melodic voice and then returning to accompaniment. The primary theme is returned to at 1:18, after the build of tension and a ritardando of the development. This movement introduces the piece’s playful tone.

The Scherzo allegro mimics the Allegro’s structure, by first introducing a second theme and then elaborating upon it. This elaboration also includes  varying voices of leading and accompanying instrumentation, with a build of tension and then a return to the original theme. The Largo makes a decisive shift from the Allegro and Scherzo. The mood becomes darker, with the slowing of tempo and sense of unity as the strings alternate between homophony and polyphony. During the Largo’s polyphonic moments, the violins play the central line at a higher register, while the cello and viola form movement underneath.

The Presto, or Fourth Movement, returns the quartet to its lively nature.The theme of the movement is introduced by the violins, and is developed with texture changes that add and subtract depth from the accompaniment. In this movement especially, the accompaniment accentuates the playful rhythm of the theme’s melody. At the end of the piece, “the joke” is referenced by a lack of resolution of the playful theme.