The intensive composition of piano concertos between 1784 and 1786 concludes with this work (the next piano concerto would follow approximately 1 year and 3 months later). According to Mozart's own catalog of works, the completion of No. 25 is dated December 4, 1786. It is believed to have been composed for a subscription concert during Advent, planned for the following day.

While the opening fanfare suggests a brilliant development, the work as a whole rather draws attention to its refined and substantial content. Nevertheless, the dazzlingly agile passages for the piano, especially in the outer movements, must have garnered applause from contemporary audiences.

Mozart's own cadenza for the first movement has not survived.

First Movement: Allegro maestoso, C major, 4/4 time. Concerto-sonata form.

A movement full of contrasts, at times resembling Baroque festive music, at others chamber music with interplay. Even when the piano takes on intricate passages that color the background of the themes, it remarkably never loses its presence.

Second Movement: Andante, F major, 3/4 time.

A tranquil slow movement sandwiched between two lively outer movements.

Third Movement: [Allegretto], C major, 2/4 time. Rondo form.

The vertical sonorities are by no means thick. The form of simple melodies accompanied by arpeggiated chords is prominent, and the piano part often serves as an accompaniment that intertwines with the wind instruments.