The 28-year-old Carl Maria von Weber began composing this piece in July 1815, working first on the Rondo finale, then turning to the Andante con moto middle panel. He completed the first movement last, in November 1816, around his thirtieth birthday. This reverse process of composition seemed to hamper neither the work's structural fabric nor its final, rather imposing musical worth.

While the piano gets second billing in this work, its role is nearly equal to that of the clarinet. Weber himself was a virtuoso pianist and this composition was one of several he wrote for clarinetist Heinrich Baermann, equally gifted in his instrumental realm.

The first movement begins vigorously, with many utterly enchanting exchanges between clarinet and piano. A serene and lovely theme is then introduced on clarinet, with the piano initially serving in an accompaniment role, but then later prodding the music into playfulness. A development section ensues, where Weber's writing is masterful and colorful throughout. A recapitulation and coda close out this sonata-allegro movement in deft style.

The second movement begins with a mournful theme on clarinet. The piano follows with an extended solo section, after which the two instruments reunite and eventually deliver a lovely, if gloomy, close. The finale dispels the darkness from the previous movement with the clarinet's joyful main theme. The music is gentle at first, but then bursts forth with greater energy and merriment. The ending is fast and brilliant, and features colorful writing for both instruments. The Grand Duo Concertante usually lasts just over 20 minutes.

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