This central chapter in a three-concert cycle of Beethoven’s five piano concertos performed by Krystian Zimerman with the LSO and Simon Rattle features Nos.2 and 4. The Second was in fact the composer’s first full-length orchestral work and largely adheres to norms established by Mozart. But Beethoven’s distinctive voice comes through in, for example, starkly contrasting themes and unanticipated key changes. The Fourth, meanwhile, responds to the developments in the instrument itself: a wider range of notes were now available, and additional colours too, thanks to a new pedal system. The concerto’s graceful, profound and expressive writing was groundbreaking.

Programme:

Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Concerto No.2 in B flat major, op.19
Piano Concerto No.4 in G major, op.58

Krystian Zimerman
London Symphony Orchestra
Simon Rattle

Watch also the last concert of this cycle:
Beethoven Piano Concerto No 5