L. Beethoven Concerts for piano and orchestra: meaning, video, content, facts

L. Beethoven Concerts for piano and orchestra

The piano is one of the most important instruments for which the great German composer Ludwig van Beethoven wrote works. Touring European cities, the musician created compositions that he could independently perform. The most profitable genre for presentation in a secular society was a concert. For the entire career of Beethoven wrote 7 concerts for piano and orchestra. You can learn the history and significance of piano concerts with an orchestra, read a lot of interesting facts, and listen to the pieces on our website.

The value of piano concerts in the works of Beethoven

The idea to enrich the genre of the concert and bring it closer to the symphony appeared long before Beethoven began to compose. Nevertheless, it was in his work that the piano concert with the orchestra had the opportunity to develop in a new way.

The time in which the composer lived was marked by the spirit of revolutions and liberation movements, which could not but affect the music. The principal differences of the genre include:

• Equality in expressiveness with symphonic genres has occurred. The composition of the concert is positioned as a symphony with a solo piano.
• The role of drama has increased, a conflict has appeared.
• Returned dialogic principle.
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• Thematically, the orchestra has something in common with the lead singer.

At the same time, the structure of the concert remained unchanged, retaining the connection of the genre with tradition. Thus, Beethoven had a significant influence on the development and formation of the concert genre.

Interesting Facts

• In 2007, with the participation of the conductor Bernstein, he managed to make a documentary about the concerts for the piano with Beethoven.
• The theme of the second part of the first concert formed the basis of many revolutionary songs, including the song "Young Guard", which was popular in the 1920s and 30s of the last century in our country.
• The fifth concert marks a turning point in the history of music, as Beethoven independently wrote a cadence for the soloist. Prior to this, the cadence in concerts allowed the performer to improvise on a topic set by the composer. Such cadences showed the skill and virtuosity of owning an instrument. The written cadences facilitated the task for the performer, but thereby also began to restrain creative freedom.
• Beethoven contrasted his own concert music, calling it endowed with dramatic meaning. He believed that other music was empty and idle talk.
• In the first concert, Beethoven used a genuine UK anthem tune.

Concert for piano and orchestra №1

The first concert is the 15th composition of the composer. The composition was created during the period of active tours in Europe, for the first time an essay was shown to the Prague public. Two years later, Beethoven finalized his own work and spoke on April 2, 1800 in Vienna. Critics saw in the work a large amount of beauty and beauty. In 1833 the score was printed.

The tonality of the work in C major. The composition is characteristic of the concert genre, that is, it has three parts:

1. Allegro con brio. (Fast with fire)
2. Largo (draw)
3. Allegro scherzando (Quickly playful)

The first part opens with a light orchestral sound, the leading role is given to stringed instruments. Elegant and virtuoso piano part, it is only slightly supported by the orchestra.

The second part fully reflects Beethoven’s style. The musical theme is performed by the soloist. Cantilena is built rhythmically freely, periodically there are pauses, which add drama.

The third part is written in the form of rondo. Dance is the main quality of music. Musical themes like pictures in a kaleidoscope constantly replace each other. It seems that improvisation prevails, but this is only an appearance, but not reality. A separate role is played by a joking and easy code. For an instant, the orchestra goes silent, the final grace turns out to be false, and after a long fermat the orchestra fully completes the piece.

Many musicologists note that the first concert has a number of similarities with the works of other composers of the Vienna classical school. This is confirmed by smoothed contrasts, the presence of humor. Nevertheless, even in early works one can already trace the techniques characteristic of the writer.

Piano concert with orchestra №5

The composition was composed at a difficult time for Austria, namely in 1809. Then Europe was captured by the battles with Napoleon. Beethoven, in horror, wrote to his friend, that Vienna was besieged and in decline and desolation. The premiere of the concert, scheduled for the summer, took place only in December 1811. The hall rejoiced, although some complained about the long duration of the work. The work was published in print under the title "Grand Concerto for Piano and Orchestra".

Despite the large size, the structure of the work is classical, so it consists of three parts:

1. Allegro (Coming Soon)
2. Adagio un poco moto (Slow)
3. Allegro non tanto (Coming soon)

The first part opens with a brilliant solo piano. The orchestra powerfully picks up the soloist and serves as a full sound support for solo passages. Clearly traced intonation march. The musical theme plays a formative role and is further transformed into a hymn that will be cut off. There is a complication of the conflict. Using the dialogical technique, the composer develops musical thought, bringing it to its logical conclusion.

The second and third parts are performed without interruption. The middle part is filled with enlightenment, its character is intimate, delicate and refined. The melody as if exudes warm light, after it the string quintet sounds, similar in genre to choral music. Nevertheless, the refined and graceful music gives way to a dynamic, pathetic melody. The part code is small, based on the downward motion of the movement. A small bunch after a pause combines the second and third parts.

The theme of the third part is characterized by unsurpassed contrast and dynamic development. At the same time she is characterized by mannerism and pride. It sounds not only in a solo instrument, but also in an orchestra, which once again underlines its significance.

A special highlight of the work can be considered the addition of timpani in the code of the third part. This tool allowed to convey the atmosphere of the roar of battles, which gradually subsides. Peace and harmony reign on the planet again.

The use of music in the cinema

Beethoven's piano concertos are capable of reflecting the composer’s rich inner world, which is filled with an inconceivable passion for creativity. Already in the early concerts one could hear musical tricks typical of the composer. Later works reveal his infinite talent in order to conflict music.