Composed in London near the end of 1824, the Duetto is one of the few chamber music works regularly performed today. It is a light and charming composition yet requires experienced performers. The work was often performed in the 19th century by the double bass virtuoso Domenico Dragonetti (called 'Il drago' or 'Paganini of the double bass') and we know that Rossini was acquainted with and consulted Dragonetti on matters dealing with the instrument. Barenreiter's critical edition is the only currently available publication which is based on Rossini's autograph and not on the first edition.