The Piano Concerto No. 5 was begun in 1809 during one of the most productive periods in Beethoven’s life. The same years also brought forth, among dozens of works, Symphonies No. 5 and 6, the Violin Concerto, the Razumovsky Quartets, Leonore Overture No. 3, the Les Adieux Sonata, and the incidental music to Goethe’s Egmont.
Beethoven dedicated the concerto to his patron, Archduke Rudolph. This is the only concerto that Beethoven did not play in public, although he probably played it in private at the Archduke’s residence.
It was first performed at a public concert at the Leipzig Gewandhaus in November 1811. The subtitle “Emperor” was evidently added by a publisher during the 19th century for reasons unknown.
This is another amazing gift that Beethoven made to future generations. As such, it is yours to love, enjoy and cherish. Listen to a pert, or the whole, or just to the very sad second movement. It is yours…
Here is pianist Alfred Brendel who will play this masterpiece for you:
