Written when Chopin was a student living in Warsaw, this is the composer's only known work for piano, four-hands. Though it is an early effort, it is still of sufficient substance to make it worthy of the attention of both pianists and public. Part of its general neglect stems from its four-hand status, never a popular venue for pianists, though audiences have generally been favorable to it. When a duo team is formed, however, their preferences tend to be in the realm of two-piano repertory.

The introduction begins solemnly but soon turns playful and Italianate in character. The main theme carries on the light, somewhat exotic mood, but vaguely suggests the sounds of Spanish music. Chopin was not familiar with that ethnic folk idiom at the time and thus such thematic characteristics are probably coincidental. The melody is carefree and light, full of color and youthful energy. The second variation brims with that energy, and is deftly contrasted by the third, which is somber but rich in color in its mainly lower-register writing. The march-like fifth variation features the one extended passage of serious music here. It is framed by lively, playful variations, the last of which closes the piece in brilliant, imaginative style. Again, those Spanish elements reappear, perhaps even more strongly here. While this is not a major Chopin work, it is a finely-crafted light piece that has no serious flaws.

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