Premièred in April 18, 1888, Anvers, Antwerp at a Cercle catholique concert, conducted by Joseph Moreel, Chaminade as soloist.

The following year in Paris at the Concerts Lamoureux, where it was warmly received. It was later played by pianist Louise Steiger, to whom the published score was dedicated, and appeared regularly on concert programs in Paris, London, and eventually the United States, including a 1908 performance with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Karl Pohlig.

The single‑movement work opens with dramatic tremolo strings and a horn theme that hints at Wagner. The Chaminade develops four main themes is distinctly French style, echoing Saint-Saëns and Bizet and exploring subtle “exotic” harmonies.