I think I have blogged about this piece before, but it needs to be done again!
The piece opens with the first theme played in unison (actually in octaves) by the whole orchestra, and then it bursts into an explosive flowering of a sort of bouquet of music. (Alas, a few years ago I would have done justice to this description, but ...)
The first movement maintains this sense of seriousness throughout; the urgent statements of the piano and the orchestra are often underscored by the kettledrums. (These are a set of tuned drums that can play melodies, but are actually sparingly used to emphasize the occasional bass note.)
The second movement starts with a very simple tune, almost like a nursery rhyme. As the movement proceeds, we are treated to a sequence of lovely variations on that tune, that will probably stick in the memory of a first-time listener.
The Finale (the last movement) is again a set of variations, on a much more studiedly serious theme, that has a characteristic pathetic cadence-like modulation (to D Flat, in this case) just before the end of the theme.
It's easy to fall in love with this piece; we're told that this concerto was one of Beethoven's favorites, and in my humble opinion, Beethoven had excellent taste, most of the time.
Earlier today, I was unexpectedly shown (the late) Claudio Arrau playing Mozart's Sonata in A minor, K. 310. Well, it's been a Mozartian day, for sure.
Archie
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