The work was apparently inspired by the request of the pianist Otakar Hollmann, who had lost the use of his right hand during World War I.
"[2] Janáček later changed his decision and began composing a piano piece for left hand, but didn't notify Hollman about the composition.
Janáček observed with humour that the trombonists of the renowned Czech Philharmonic were forced to practise their parts at home.
[4] The premiere took place on March 2, 1928 in the Smetana Hall of the Municipal Cultural Center in Prague, with conductor Jaroslav Řídký and seven Czech Philharmonic members: Václav Máček (flute), Evžen Šerý and František Trnka (trumpets), Antonín Bok, Jaroslav Šimsa and Gustav Tyl (trombones) and with Antonín Koula (tenor tuba).
The composition consists of four movements: The work shows typical traits of Janáček's mature creative period.