A work composed between 1927 and 1928. It was dedicated to Wanda Landowska, who was considered the greatest harpsichordist of her time. In 1923, Poulenc attended the Paris premiere of Manuel de Falla's El retablo de Maese Pedro at the invitation of his piano teacher, Ricardo Viñes. This premiere took place at the residence of Edmond de Polignac, with Wanda Landowska playing the harpsichord. It is believed that at this time, Landowska commissioned Falla and Poulenc to compose concertos featuring the harpsichord as a solo instrument. The work was completed in August 1928 and privately premiered at Landowska's home. The public premiere followed in May of the next year at Salle Pleyel, with Landowska on harpsichord, accompanied by the Orchestre Symphonique de Paris conducted by Pierre Monteux.

The harpsichord Poulenc envisioned for the composition was a Pleyel instrument with a 16-foot bridge, developed in 1912. The balance of volume between this instrument and the orchestra was one of the major challenges during composition. It is said that Poulenc, Landowska, and the principal players of each orchestral section held numerous discussions to find an appropriate balance.

The work consists of three movements: Allegro molto, Andante, and Finale. The first movement, Allegro molto, is characterized by its constantly shifting moods, typical of Poulenc. In the second movement, which begins with a leisurely orchestral introduction, there are sections where the harpsichord takes on an accompanying role to the orchestra. The third movement begins with a dazzling harpsichord solo, builds to a climax with the orchestra, and then concludes quietly with arpeggios of minor triads.