In 1849, Robert Schumann explored the horn as a solo instrument, dedicating to it an “Adagio and Allegro,” Op. 70, before embarking on the composition of an orchestral work featuring four solo horns (having also composed the “Five Songs based on Heinrich Laube’s Hunting Compendium” for men’s choir and four horns, Op. 137 that same year). He worked on the sketches from February 18 to 20, and completed the orchestration from February 27 to March 11, 1849. Schumann was aware of the unusual instrumentation but also acknowledged the qualities of the new work, which he described as “something quite curious” but also as “one of my best pieces.”
