This colorful symphony is one of a collection of six that Boccherini published in Paris in 1776. Although they are symphonies, the title of the collection was in fact "Six Concertos for Full Orchestra," and there is a considerable amount of soloistic writing in them. It calls for the standard orchestra of the day: a string orchestra plus two horns and two woodwinds. In this instance, however, the wind players were to play flutes instead of the more common oboes.

The result is a gentle texture and a flute-inspired melodic quality that has earned this symphony a reputation as the most "feminine" of the group of six (a convenient shorthand for the fact that it is gentle, tender, lyrical, and possessed of a teasing wit).

The first movement, Allegro con moto, often places the flutes an octave above the violins and violas. This texture alternates with a rich and charming effect, dividing the cellos and violas into two sections each, allowing them to play complete harmonies in a warm and tender sonority. The movement has no slow introduction, and its two themes are similar rather than contrasting in character.

The second movement, Andantino amoroso has the feeling of an operatic love song. There are times in the movement when Boccherini (a cellist himself) feels secure enough to give the cello section unusually high notes in the harmonies, creating a particularly tender sound.

Tempo di minué is an elegant, slow minuet. It has strong accents and much dynamic variety (shifting frequently from loud to soft) but is not designed to be dramatic. The trio section of the movement is virtually a mini-concerto for two solo violins.

The finale, Presto ma non tanto is in rondo form. The ritornello idea features the violins playing a tune in canon, while the episodes tease at becoming marches, but don't quite do so.

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