Composed in 1826, it was published posthumously in 1965, in the 20th century. At that time, Jan Ekier provided the completion. It is Chopin's only work for piano four hands, composed when he was 16 years old.

It is a set of variations based on a melody arranged by the Irish Thomas Moore, which was popular in Poland at the time of its composition as "Moore's Song." Moore presented this melody as an Irish folk song, but it was originally the Venetian folk song Cara mamma. Paganini, renowned as a virtuoso violinist, also composed Variations on 'The Carnival of Venice,' Op. 10 based on this melody. After working on these variations, Chopin heard Paganini himself perform his variations and subsequently composed another set of variations based on the same melody,Souvenir de Paganini(this one for piano solo). Consequently, there are two works by Chopin based on this melody.

It begins with an introduction that passes between the two pianists. Following this, the theme in 6/8 time is played. Then, five variations follow, and the piece concludes with the Vivace 6th variation and a coda.