In 1880 Richard Strauss began composing the 'Sonata for cello and piano' op. 6. as a student, but revised it extensively before it appeared in print in 1883. Only the first movement remained unaltered. Strauss dedicated the 'Sonata for cello and piano' in F major to his friend Hans Wihan (at that time solo cellist with the court orchestra of Munich), who also took part in the premiere of the piece in Nuremberg.