He dedicated it to the cellist Oskar Brückner who performed it first, with the composer as the pianist, in Wiesbaden on 17 October 1893.

[2] Reger dedicated the work to the cellist Oskar Brückner who performed it first, with the composer as the pianist, in Wiesbaden on 17 October 1893.

[4] The second movement in D-flat major begins almost like an operatic scene, with a cello line like recitative.

The musicologist Calum MacDonald writes: "Just before the coda there is a moment of quiet reflection that brings home how the opening phrase of the finale theme echoes that of the first movement’s first subject, before the tumultuous closing bars.

[3] Reviewer Ivan March notes that "both artists produce the passionate response demanded", especially Gerhardt's "warm, resonant middle register" and Becker's ability to meet "the music's considerable virtuosity".