Written in 1904, the concerto was dedicated to violinist Leopold Auer, who gave the first performance at a Russian Musical Society concert in Saint Petersburg on 15 February 1905.

The British premiere of the concerto followed just over a year later, under the direction of Sir Henry Wood and with Mischa Elman as soloist.

It was performed by Efrem Zimbalist at his American debut with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

There are no pauses or numbered sections in the concerto; it is nevertheless often described as consisting of either three or four movements, which may be variously labeled.

It utilizes extensive double-stopping technique and is considered one of the most difficult parts of the concerto.