The premiere took place at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées on 7 June 1951, with Roger Désormière conducting the Orchestre National de France.
In the third movement, he develops a process that he uses more extensively in several later compositions: the main theme is not presented immediately at the beginning, but hidden in a slow evolution of themes (reverse variation).
The finale starts with a majestic percussion display, before returning to a calmer atmosphere.
The symphony was a big step for Dutilleux's career, as it demonstrated his mastery of orchestration.
In 1955 it was awarded the UNESCO Mozart Medal in the inaugural edition of the International Rostrum of Composers.