The first in a trilogy of works for chamber orchestra, the Sinfonia Concertante uses its forces very much in concerto fashion - and not least its timpanist, who signals the work to start and has a real melodic role at the start of the finale.
The first performance took place in August 1983 as part of a BBC promenade concert at the Royal Albert Hall, London. It was given by the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, conducted by Neville Marriner.