[1] Originally written in 1889, the piece was later slightly revised for its first public performance on 3 February 1898 in the smaller hall at the Odd Fellows Mansion in Copenhagen under the leadership of violinist Anton Svendsen.
In particular, Nielsen added a "Résumé" section in the finale, bringing together themes from the first, third and fourth movements.
Although arranged at short notice, the concert, which was devoted to works by Nielsen, was well attended.
The modulated central development is broken by strident chords which lead into a short recapitulation, the second theme now being played by the first violin.
Opening in E♭ major, the lilting Andante evolves into a central section in G minor with a clear shift in key.