The Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37, was composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1800 and was first performed on 5 April 1803, with the composer as soloist. During that same performance, the Second Symphony and the oratorio Christ on the Mount of Olives were also debuted. The composition was dedicated to Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia.
The concerto is scored for 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets in B-flat, 2 bassoons, 2 horns in E-flat, 2 tru...
more
The Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37, was composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1800 and was first performed on 5 April 1803, with the composer as soloist. During that same performance, the Second Symphony and the oratorio Christ on the Mount of Olives were also debuted. The composition was dedicated to Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia.
The concerto is scored for 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets in B-flat, 2 bassoons, 2 horns in E-flat, 2 trumpet in C, timpani, strings and piano soloist.
As is standard for Classical/Romantic-era concertos, the work is in three movements:
This movement is known to make forceful use of the theme (direct and indirect) throughout.
In the orchestral exposition, the theme is calmly introduced by the strings, and used menacingly throughout the movement either in its clear, original form, or with the last notes (indirect, rhythmic form). It is developed several times before the second subject. A motif is introduced to serve as a simple transition to the...
less
