Commissioned by the eminent violinist Joseph Joachim after a Berlin meeting in April of 1879, Dvorak composed his first version between July 5 and September of the same year, even incorporating changes recommended by Joachim, sending the score to the violinist in November with a formal dedication. Joachim's opinion must not have been favorable as Dvorak set about revising the work in April and May of 1880 following a visit to Berlin, at which point the score was again sent to Berlin. Joachim took 2 years to respond, again recommending changes both to the solo part and the orchestral...