Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos 4 & 5, "Emperor" (Live)
9/21/2018, 6 Tracks, 1:14:16
Featuring
Laurence Equilbey
Nicholas Angelich
Insula Orchestra
Ludwig van Beethoven
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Critical Reception
Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 was triumphantly received at its 1811 premiere, performed by Friedrich Schneider, and has maintained its popularity ever since.
Interpretation
The performers aimed for a natural outpouring of energy to capture the improvisatory style crucial to these concertos, blending the Pleyel piano with period instruments.
Compositional Technique
Beethoven's Piano Concertos Nos. 4 and 5 are notable for the piano introducing the first theme alone, a technique Mozart pioneered but did not repeat.
Composition History
Beethoven's Piano Concertos Nos. 4 and 5 were composed during a period of intense creativity, despite his increasing deafness.
Historical Context
The subtitle 'Emperor' for Piano Concerto No. 5 was not given by Beethoven, but was added after his death, likely by his friend Johann Baptist Cramer, to emphasize its grandeur.
Instruments
This recording uses a Pleyel piano from 1892, which is believed to be a prototype in the development of Pleyel concert pianos, offering a sound close to a pianoforte.
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