Written in 1849 and originally conceived for horn and piano, Schumann planned alternative editions before it was printed in which the horn or cello or violin could be replaced. The title was initially intended to be Romance and Allegro. Schumann then decided on Adagio and Allegro. Shortly after this work was completed, Clara Schumann commented that it was “just the sort of piece that I like, brilliant, fresh and passionate.” The piece is marked by extreme mood changes and intense dialogue between the cello and the piano, beginning with a deeply introspective Adagio, which expresses great emotion throughout. This is followed by a fiery and passionate Allegro which, before concluding, is interrupted by a brief reminiscence of the opening.