Mozart's original piano concertos commence with No. 5; Concertos Nos. 1-4, composed in 1767 when he was 11 years old, are arrangements of piano sonatas by other composers. The original works were primarily by German composers active in Paris, and their interactions during his travels significantly influenced Mozart. His father, Leopold, likely brought back scores of their works and had his son practice composing concertos. The autograph scores also bear his father's handwriting.

At that time, Paris served as a cultural hub in Europe. In the 1760s, the Mozarts, who were touring various regions, resided in Paris for five months from November 1763 and two months from May 1766. This Western tour, encompassing two visits to Paris, enabled the young Mozart to absorb diverse musical styles and broaden his compositional scope. The four piano concertos can be considered one of the outcomes of this period.

Original Works for Each Movement

• Movement 1: H. F. Raupach (1728-78), Op. 1, No. 1 (Movement 1)
• Movement 2: J. Schobert, Op. 17, No. 2
• Movement 3: H. F. Raupach, Op. 1, No. 1 (Movement 3)

Hermann Friedrich Raupach (1728-78) was a musician born in Northern Germany who was active in Saint Petersburg. It is believed that Mozart encountered him in 1766, when Raupach had just departed Russia and arrived in Paris. Johann Schobert (c. 1735-67), active in Paris, is thought to have profoundly influenced the young Mozart and provided the impetus for the composition of the Sonatas for Keyboard and Violin, K. 6-9. However, his father Leopold apparently did not hold a favorable impression of him.