[1] The work premièred at a private gathering on 14 November 1824 to honor his sister Fanny Mendelssohn's 19th birthday.

The symphony was dedicated to the Philharmonic Society, who performed the London première on May 25, 1829 with Mendelssohn conducting.

Fertility of invention and novelty of effect, are what first strike the hearers of M. Mendelssohn's symphony; but at the same time, the melodiousness of its subjects, the vigour with which these are supported, the gracefulness of the slow movement, the playfulness of some parts, and the energy of others, are all felt....

The author conducted it in person, and it was received with acclamations....The work is scored for two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets in B♭, two bassoons, two horns in E♭ and/or C, two trumpets in C, timpani in C, G, and strings.

The symphony is in four movements: A typical performance lasts approximately half an hour.