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.<br>
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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.<br>
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Bärenreiter’s critical edition is the only currently available publication which is based on Rossini’s autograph and not on the first edition.<br>