Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37 // BEETHOVEN

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0:00 I. Allegro con brio
16:30 II. Largo
25:53 III. Rondo. Allegro

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. The year for which the concerto was composed (1800) has however been questioned by contemporary musicologists. It was published in 1804. During that same performance, the Second Symphony and the oratorio Christ on the Mount of Olives were also premiered. The composition was dedicated to Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia. The first primary theme is reminiscent of that of Mozart's 24th Piano Concerto.

The concerto clearly outlines Beethoven’s creative path, revealing works of great value and confirming the creative genius of the composer. The third piano concerto is the first one to use a minor key and the first one that clearly separates Beethoven from the classical music. In this concerto, the composer produced a more varied and dynamic work rich in the turbulent emotions for which he was becoming known. The piano style was suddenly less ornate, more muscular, as if he’d decided that he didn’t have to conform to established standards and had immediately set about challenging the capabilities of the then current instruments.

The Piano Concerto No. 3 saw its debut three years after its completion on April 5th, 1803. The concert held on that day featured only Beethoven compositions. In addition to the new concerto, audiences would also hear the First and Second Symphonies and the oratorio Christ on the Mount of Olives. It is known that Beethoven played the solo piano part from memory since he hadn’t managed to write it out entirely. He completed the solo part only a year later when his friend and student Ferdinand Ries had to play it.

Performed by: Stefano Ligoratti and the ClassicaViva Orchestra