Gewandhausorchester: Beethoven's Piano Concerto

In 1802, in despair at his increasing deafness, Beethoven wrote to his brothers that he had considered ending his life. But, he said, ‘it seemed impossible to me to leave this world before I had produced all that I felt capable of producing.’

This was the beginning of an extraordinary period of creativity. Beethoven’s Third Symphony singlehandedly transformed the possibilities of the form. It was a gigantic creation, raising the stakes for every composer following in its wake. It seemed to speak for humanity in a way no piece of music had before. It was also Beethoven’s personal favourite.

The anguish and pathos of the Piano Concerto No.3 reflects the composer’s struggles at this time. The gorgeous opening of its second movement is supposed to sound like ‘a holy, distant, and celestial harmony.’






Presented by the Barbican.

Part of Beethoven Residency: Andris Nelsons and Lang Lang and International Ensembles.

Barbican Classical Music Programme receives major support from Marcus Margulies and additional support In Memory of John Murray.





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