In 1867, Saint-Saëns composed a cantata for the Universal Exposition in Paris, for which he received the Légion d'honneur. Officially recognized as an outstanding artist, he achieved further great success in 1868 with his Piano Concerto No. 2. It was in the following year, 1869, during a period of great productivity, that Saint-Saëns composed his Piano Concerto No. 3. However, its premiere in Leipzig in the same year, and its Paris premiere in 1877, did not receive a favorable reception. Even today, it is performed less frequently compared to Saint-Saëns's other concertos.

The performance duration is approximately 25 minutes.

I. Moderato assai, E-flat major, 4/4 time

The movement opens with a swirling sound created by the piano's quiet arpeggios. Over this, various orchestral sections successively present the first theme, modulating as they do so. As the music builds, both the piano and orchestra grandly state the theme. The second theme, in B-flat major, enters ff, increasing the tension. In the subsequent piano passage, a floating, third theme is quietly played, followed by a piano solo marked "quasi cadenza." Traditionally, cadenzas were placed after the development section, and this placement was a point of criticism. In the ensuing Allegro animato, the three themes are skillfully developed, providing a showcase for the piano. After the cadenza, the music proceeds to the recapitulation. The subsequent coda is marked Animato, where the first theme is played, bringing the movement to a powerful close.

II. Andante, E major, 3/4 time

From the introduction by strings and winds, bold sonorities are evident, creating a fantastical sound. However, at the time, these were not well-received and became a target of criticism. A quiet first theme is presented by the strings, followed by a second theme played by the piano's left hand. Finally, this second theme is played by the orchestra, serving as a transition to the third movement. The music proceeds without a break to the next movement.

III. Allegro non troppo, E-flat major, 2/4 time

The movement begins with a tense orchestral introduction. The piano presents a vibrant main theme and a subsidiary theme, which are then taken up by the orchestra. The subsequent second theme is a simple one, consisting of quarter notes and eighth notes. This theme is developed through repeated iterations. The piece progresses with the piano and orchestra repeatedly exchanging themes, concluding brilliantly. This movement is often criticized for its developmental techniques and the limited variety of its tonal shifts.