This piece, composed between 1856 and 1862, is widely considered the Polish virtuoso's finest work and remains a staple of the Romantic violin repertoire. Written during a stable period of residence in St. Petersburg, the concerto strikes a flawless balance between lush, lyrical melodies and breathtaking technical virtuosity. It premiered on November 27, 1862, in St. Petersburg, with Wieniawski as the soloist under the baton of Anton Rubinstein. It was later published in 1879 and dedicated to his close friend, the Spanish violin virtuoso Pablo de Sarasate.