Written while studying at the Paris Conservatory for his friend, Spanish violin virtuoso Pablo de Sarasate, this piece illustrates Saint-Saëns' very personal relationship with the violin. The work is a true duo, where the piano is an equal partner to the violinist. The piece showcases both Saint-Saëns' remarkable command of the keyboard as well as the Spanish character of the main theme, a personal tribute to Sarasate. The Caprice brilliant later was transformed into the third movement of Saint Saens' Third Violin Concerto also written for Sarasate. An excellent piece for a piano and violin virtuoso team!