The work was written in 1874 for violinist Pablo Sarasate, and premiered in Paris on February 7, 1875.
Although called a "Spanish Symphony" it is considered a violin concerto by musicians today. The piece has Spanish motifs throughout, and launched a period when Spanish-themed music came into vogue.
The Symphonie espagnole is one of Lalo's two most often played works, the other being his Cello Concerto in D minor.