Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4

Composed in Vienna between 1805 and 1806, Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4, is a frequently performed piano concerto that has become a concert staple. The concerto premiered privately in 1807, alongside the Coriolan Overture and the Fourth Symphony at the home of Prince Franz Joseph von Lobkowitz. It's public premier took place nearly a year later in 1808, in Vienna at the Theater an der Wien. Beethoven's Piano Concert No. 4 was the last piece composed for Beethoven's own use; during the public performance, Beethoven performed as the piano soloist. It was his last time performing on stage. The piece was met with mixed reviews, and was nearly forgotten until after Beethoven's death when Felix Mendelssohn resuscitated the concerto in 1836. (Mendelssohn was known to shed light on neglected scores.) The concerto is rather different than Beethoven's others - it is quite intimate and confidently self reserved. It's like the self-assured little voice in your head when you know "you've got this." It's the small crooked smile when you know what you are doing is excellent. Beethoven's Piano Concert No. 4 is simply sublime.

• beethoven
• piano concerto
• beethoven symphonies