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Beethoven Piano Concerto 4 Program Notes and Sheet Music

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58

Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, composed between 1805 and 1806, stands as a poetic and revolutionary masterpiece, marking a significant departure from the conventions of the piano concerto. Emerging from his highly productive "heroic" period – the same fertile ground that produced his Fourth Symphony, Violin Concerto, and ultimately his Fifth and Sixth Symphonies – this concerto offers a glimpse into a more contemplative and intimate side of Beethoven's genius.

A Quiet Revolution: The Piano's Bold Opening

The concerto’s most striking innovation is immediately apparent from its very first notes. Breaking centuries of tradition, Beethoven eschews the customary grand orchestral introduction. Instead, the solo piano begins the concerto alone, with a gentle, serene, and almost improvisatory statement of the main theme. The orchestra responds softly, creating an intimate, almost conversational dialogue from the outset. This unprecedented opening immediately draws the listener into a world of poetic reflection rather than outward bravura.

The private premiere took place in March 1807 at the home of Prince Lobkowitz, with Beethoven himself at the keyboard. Its public premiere, however, was part of that legendary and notoriously arduous four-hour "academy" (benefit concert) on December 22, 1808, at the Theater an der Wien, where it shared the program with the premieres of Symphonies No. 5 and No. 6, among other works. This 1808 performance was likely Beethoven's last public appearance as a piano soloist, a poignant detail

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    Piano-Concerto-4-op58   
    Composed in 1806.
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