Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto: Emperor: E-flat Major Op.73

Author: (German) Beethoven
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2003-04-01
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Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto in E-flat Major, Op. 73, was completed in 1809. At that time, Beethoven had become deaf and could no longer play the piano. The work premiered in Germany on November 28, 1811, with Snard performing as the soloist. Three months later, on February 12, 1812, it premiered in Vienna, with Beethoven's student Czerny as the soloist. It is said that a deeply moved French officer in the audience shouted that the piece was "the Emperor of the Piano," which is how the title "Emperor" came about. This concerto consists of three movements:
1. Allegro - It begins with a grand chord played by the full orchestra, followed by a majestic cadenza for the piano. Then the orchestra expresses itself twice, each time followed by a frenzied outburst from the piano. No movement is as heart-stirring as this.
2. Moderato - A nocturne-like, beautiful singing in a slightly livelier tempo.
3. Rondo - Allegro - It returns to a passionate outburst, in which the piano seems to shine brilliantly. The entire orchestra shines with it, creating a magnificent scene. This concerto is one of Beethoven's most magnificent and imposing works, not just among his own, but among all piano concertos.