This piece was the 37^th published work of Ludwig van Beethoven. It was composed for a piano soloist, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets in B-flat, 2 bassoons, 2 horns in E-flat, 2 trumpets in C, timpani, and strings. The piece is written in the key of c minor meaning it has three flats, those being b flat, e flat, and a flat. This piece is written mostly in 4/4 time meaning that there are four beats per measure and a quarter note receives one beat. This piece is made up of three movements.

After famously going deaf towards the end of his career, Beethoven is widely regarded as the greatest overall composer of all time, a sentiment that I agree with. His work spans the classical and romantic periods in music and his longevity, while certainly not Mozart’s, is to be admired. Being only his 37^th work, this was one of his earlier pieces. Beethoven would [later?] dedicate this piece to Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia.

Given the great quality of all of Beethoven’s works, it is easy for certain pieces to be overlooked and labeled as “just another great piece from Beethoven”. However, I feel that this piece deserves more than being swept aside. It is a great piece in its own right that fits with Beethoven’s fiery spirit. While still being categorized as a piano concerto, the piece itself does not rely solely on the piano to advance the melody; instead the piano merely introduces the themes for the rest of the orchestra to pick up on. Throughout the piece, Beethoven keeps the orchestra apart from the piano, not letting them play with each other, (not counting background chord support), which builds to a dramatic ending incorporating everyone. Thanks and please comment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEH17GCig34                                               -Bass Clef