Up to No. 4, Mozart's piano concertos were arrangements of other composers' works, making this effectively his first original piano concerto. It was composed in December 1773, just before his 18th birthday, in Salzburg. The motivation for its composition is not clear, but it is thought to have been intended for performance by Mozart himself or his sister Nannerl. Furthermore, given the period, the possibility that it was part of his duties as a court musician in Salzburg cannot be ruled out.

For Mozart, who had already composed numerous large-scale works such as operas and completed up to his 28th symphony, his first venture into the piano concerto genre at this point likely involved a considerable amount of dedication. As if to demonstrate this, the work is splendidly crafted, not only with the piano's virtuosic runs across the keyboard but also through an orchestration that includes trumpets and timpani. The fact that this work was performed during his subsequent travels and in his Vienna period indicates that it became an important part of Mozart's repertoire.

For the first and second movements, two cadenzas by Mozart himself have been preserved for each. Furthermore, when the third movement was performed in Vienna, it was reportedly replaced by the Rondo K. 382, which was more accessible to the public, and received enthusiastic applause.

First Movement: Allegro, D major, 4/4 time.

Concerto-sonata form. A brilliant movement featuring two themes that extensively utilize ascending figures. This brightness is maintained throughout.

Second Movement: Andante ma un poco Adagio, G major, 3/4 time.

Concerto-sonata form. In contrast to the previous movement, it consists of a theme characterized by a gentle yet descending energy.

Third Movement: Allegro, D major, 3/4 time.

Concerto-sonata form. A bright, powerful, and splendid finale, where the piano's free-spirited movements are reined in by frequently inserted descending unison figures in the orchestral instruments.