It is one of the most popular works of the composer, and quickly became an international success.
Halvorsen was offered a post at Bucharest Conservatory but he declined.
He became however interested about the city and read about it and the entry of the Romanian boyars into Bucharest in the 18th century.
Two years later Halvorsen published an arrangement of the piece for symphony orchestra.
The melody has been used as a signature tune for the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's weekly radio program Ønskekonserten since its start in 1950.