This slow movement of the F minor Concerto was composed by Chopin during his passion for Constantia Gladowska. She was "the ideal" he mentions in his letters, the adagio of this concerto.

Chopin wrote in a letter dated October 20, 1829: "Elsner has praised the Adagio of the Concerto. He says that there is something new in it. As to the Rondo I do not wish yet to hear a judgment, for I am not yet satisfied with it myself. I am curious whether I shall finish this work when I return".

Schumann exclaims: "What are ten editorial crowns compared to one such Adagio as that in the second concerto!"