Beethoven is a real dude - just putting that out there. I think his third piano concerto is testament to that. Here, we have more than just a concerto - we have an incredible piece of music which geniously intertwines the role of the piano with the grandness of the orchestra while including drama and emotion in equal measures.
Its dramatic opening really builds tension for the arrival of the piano solo. I've been playing the cello part in orchestra recently, and honestly, most concertos are quite hard/boring to play as a cellist in the orchestra - but not this one! Beethoven's musical expertise create a harmonic and melodic equilibrium almost between all of the instruments and the piano. The first movement moves between beauty, drama and poise almost effortlessly, and don't even get me started on that epic cadenza towards the end...
The second movement is really rather emotional, showcasing Beethoven, I think, as a real pioneer of 'Romantic music'. The delicate yet rich piano part coupled with the lush string and orchestra parts creates a sumptuous, even perhaps choral-like at times, feel. And then we're launched into a frantic third movement with some truly epic piano and orchestra moments, before concluding on a grand yet unexpectedly playful final coda. I mean, I'm not expert, but that piano part sounds a bit difficult...
Which brings me onto my final point - if you're around in Leeds today - the LUUMS Symphony orchestra are playing this (along with some Debussy and Shostakovich) with the absolutely fantastic soloist Carly Mills at 7pm on campus - it would be great to see you there. I've really really enjoyed playing this, probably the most out of any concerto I've been part of - I hope you can make it so that we can show you why!
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