Beethoven's Concertos

Towards the end of the 19th century, the concerto genre had reached a flourishing stage after Mozart had thoroughly contributed to the foundation of the genre. In the first concerts, as well as in the other genres (symphonies, sonatas, quartets) Mozart’s and Haydn’s influence is evident. The characteristics of Beethoven’s sensibility were to become evident starting with his third piano concerto. In the following concerts a new relation is established between the piano as unaccompanied instrument and the orchestra that covers a greater role, not being reduced to the simple function of accompanying the soloist.

At the age of 14, in 1784, Beethoven tries to write a piano concerto in E flat major, of which only the piano part was kept. In 1790 he tries to compose a new concerto, this time in D major, of which only the first part remained. The first instrumental concerto composition was made in 1795 when he wrote The piano concerto in B flat major op. 19, about the same time he composed The piano concerto in C major op. 15 and The rondo for piano and orchestra.

Concerto no. 3 in C minor for piano and orchestra was finalized in 1800 and in 1802 he composed the two chamomiles for violin and orchestra: Chamomile for violin and orchestra in G major op. 40 and Chamomile for violin and orchestra in F major op. 50.

In 1801 he drafts The Triple Concerto for piano, violin and cello in C major op. 56 that he will finish only in 1805. In 1806 he writes The Piano Concerto no. 4 in G major op. 58, in 1808 he composes The Fantasy for piano, chorus and orchestra in C minor op. 80 and in 1809 he writes his last concerto for piano, The Piano Concerto no. 5 «The Imperial» in E flat major op. 73.
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The complete Concertos

To read more about each concerto click on the links bellow

1. Piano Concerto No.1 in C major op. 15

The concerto was first performed by the composer himself at his Viennese debut in April 1800. This Piano concerto was not Beethoven's first attempt at the genre. Actually it was his third piano concerto, but since it was the first to be published it remained known as Beethoven's Piano Concerto No.1

2. Piano Concerto No.2 in B flat major op. 19

Both the first and second piano concerti bear Mozart's influence and are considered to be some of Beethoven's more classical compositions. The influences will fade away gradually as Beethoven composes his latter piano concertos. Piano concerto No.5 will the proof of the unique and revolutionary style Beethoven possessed as a composer. 

3. Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor op. 37

The Piano Concerto No.3 saw its debut three years after its completion on April 5th, 1803. The concert held on that day featured only Beethoven compositions. In addition to the new concerto, audiences would also hear the First and Second Symphonies and the oratorio Christ on the Mount of Olives. It is known that Beethoven played the solo piano part from memory since he hadn't managed to write it out entirely. He completed the solo part only a year later when his friend and student Ferdinand Ries had to play it. 

4. Piano Concerto No.4 in G major op. 58

Beethoven's Concerto No.4 was finished in 1806 and premiered on December 22nd 1808 at the Theater an der Wien. with Beethoven as the soloist. It is a known fact that Beethoven attempted to present the concerto at an earlier time but was forced to wait since he could not find any piano players for the solo part. 

Just like many of Beethoven's works this concerto was dedicated to Archduke Rudolf to whom the composer dedicated, among others, his Piano Concerto No.5, numerous piano sonatas, his violin sonata or his Triple Concerto. 

Starting with this concerto, Beethoven attributes a greater role to the orchestra in its relationship with the unaccompanied instrument, creating concertos that are considered genuine solo instrumental symphonies.

5. Piano Concerto No.5 «Emperor» in E flat major op. 73

The new concerto was premiered in Leipzig in 1811. The solo part was not played by Beethoven since his hearing problems made any king of public performance impossible. The honor of playing the solo part for the premier went to young church organist Friedrich Schneider. When the "Emperor" premiered in Vienna - in February 1812 - the solo part was interpreted by Beethoven's pupil and friend Carl Czerny. 

6. Violin Concerto in D major op. 61

Beethoven's only violin concerto was finished in 1806 and was composed for four violinists. It is one of the most popular violin concertos ever written and through it, Beethoven contributes to the evolution of the genre by eliminating the conventional elements, which dominated the genre in the 18th century. He brought it closer to the symphonic genre, thus widening the sphere of expectations with regard to both the musicians and the listeners.

7. Triple Concerto for piano, violin and cello in C major op. 56

Beethoven started working on this concerto in 1803. In 1804 he sends the manuscript to the Breitcopf and Hartel publishing house with the explicit note that it is something absolutely new. The first audition took place in the spring of 1808 and, despite the fact that the composer himself played the piano, the concerto had little success. Some considered the triple concerto more of a trio with orchestra. That is perhaps why it was later published as a trio.