Bach had completed his second violin concerto in Köthen Germany circa 1718 though it was only published in 1857. This exceptionally musically educational concerto was written for a small string orchestra containing two violins, viola, and continuo. Bach had also based his Third Harpsichord Concerto in D major, BWV 1054 on this piece. Some of the more popular versions for violin and piano accompaniment include those by Emile Sauret, Friedrich Hermann, and Theodore Spiering.