It was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic in June 2013 to fill the planned premiere date of Oliver Knussen's then delayed Cello Concerto.
[1] The work is scored for solo cello and an orchestra comprising two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, trumpet, trombone, and strings.
Unlike in his first concerto, where cellist and orchestra are in fierce contrast, Lindberg removes conflict by painting with glowing instrumental colors an exotic sonic landscape around which the cello dives and dances and exults.
"[2] Theodore Bell of Culture Spot LA called it "a wonderful concerto" and opined, "Its intensity derived from the occasional expressionist motifs mixed in with delightful tonal snippets.
"[3] Andrew Mellor of Gramophone similarly wrote, "Where Lindberg's First Cello Concerto is a more thick and integrated work than its successor, the Second varies its moods more despite restrained scoring.