Offenbach composed «Les Larmes de Jacqueline» in 1846 as the second in a set of three pieces under the title «Les Harmonies des Bois» (Op.76). During this time Offenbach was traveling throughout Europe performing as a cello virtuoso. Often performing his own music, «Les Larmes de Jacqueline» was most likely composed for himself and Friedrich von Flotow. Flotow performed regularly with Offenbach for the better part of a century and for whom Offenbach wrote most of his cello and piano music. The work gained further popularity by the celebrated cello virtuoso Jacqueline du Pré (1945-1987), who gave many memorable performances of the piece.