Dedicated to Tytus Woyciechowski. Mozart's opera Don Giovanni. This is a set of variations based on the theme from the duet “Là ci darem la mano” (Give me your hand) between Don Giovanni and Zerlina in Act I.

This is the work that Schumann, as editor-in-chief of the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik (New Journal of Music, published in Leipzig, Germany), praised enthusiastically in the December 7, 1831 issue, exclaiming, “Hats off, gentlemen, a genius!” He further appended literary comments to each variation. However, this critique did not have much influence in the musical world at the time (rather, it is cited by later historians as proof of Schumann’s foresight and literary talent in recognizing Chopin’s genius early on). Furthermore, it is known from letters preserved today that Chopin himself did not particularly favor such “fantasies.”

The work begins with a substantial introduction. First, string instruments quietly play a motif derived from the theme, after which the piano part enters. A cadenza is inserted at the end of the introduction, leading attacca into the main section. This main section consists of the theme and five variations, with an orchestral ritornello placed between each variation. Following the fifth variation, a grand finale marked alla polacca (in the Polish style) is presented.