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Beethoven Piano Concderto 2 Program Notes and sheet music

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, Op. 19

Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major holds the unique distinction of being his first completed piano concerto, predating the Concerto No. 1 in C Major (Op. 15) in terms of composition, despite its higher opus number. While sketches date back as early as his Bonn years (late 1780s), it was largely refined and finalized in Vienna around 1795. This concerto served as his primary "calling card" as a virtuoso pianist upon his arrival in the imperial capital, premiering at his public debut concert in Vienna in March 1795, with Beethoven himself as soloist.

A Young Lion's Debut: Forging a Path in Vienna

When Beethoven burst onto the Viennese scene, he was eager to establish himself as a keyboard titan, following in the footsteps of Mozart. The Piano Concerto No. 2, therefore, functions as a brilliant showpiece designed to display his formidable technical prowess and improvisational skill. He reportedly kept the solo part unwritten until the very last minute, or even improvised portions of it during performance, ensuring that no rival could steal his thunder. He later admitted to his publisher that he didn't consider it "one of my best" concertos, perhaps recognizing its youthful qualities compared to his later, more revolutionary works. However, this self-assessment is rarely shared by modern listeners, who delight in its grace and charm.

The concerto is firmly rooted in the Classical style, clearly showing the elegant influence of Mozart

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    Piano-Concerto-2-op19   
    Composed 1789, revised in 1801.
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