The Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73, by Ludwig van Beethoven is known for its grandeur, bold melodies, and heroic spirit. There are, however, some other aspects to this concerto that are worthwhile to discuss.
The work was dedicated to Archduke Rudolf, who was a friend and student of the composer. It premiered in Leipzig, Germany, in 1811, and it remains the best known and most frequently performed of Beethoven’s five piano concerti.
Beethoven began his work on this piece in 1808, about the time that he completed his fifth and sixth symphonies and fourth piano concerto. Because his profound deafness prevented his own performance of the solo part, the honor fell to a 25-year-old church organist, Friedrich Schneider.
In February 1812, three months after its premiere, the concerto was given its first performance in Vienna. The pianist on that occasion was Beethoven’s student Carl Czerny, a performer still renowned today in keyboard circles for his own piano compositions. The success of the Emperor Concerto was due in part to technological developments in piano production that enabled a greater measure of expressive power. The piece quickly won for itself a place in the piano repertoire.
For me, personally, the highlight of this concerto is the sublime, sad, and nostalgic second movement. One can imagine what sadness enveloped the composer when he was unable to perform it due to his deafness.
Here is pianist Helene Grimaud, who will play this amazing second movement for you:
