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Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 'Emperor'

Stephen Johnson explores the history and musical mechanics of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 (Emperor), finding that myth has obscured the brilliance of the work's construction.

Stephen Johnson explores the history and musical mechanics of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 'Emperor'.

The title might have been added by others, but Beethoven's masterpiece has always been obscured by the debate surrounding its supposed imperialist intentions: a heroic concerto, written with a Napoleonic spirit. Not only does this fly in the face of the composer's own sympathies, but it's also disguised the genius of Beethoven's writing. Stephen Johnson shifts the focus back to the music, and uncovers the radical innovations under the surface of Beethoven's craft.

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20 minutes

Last on

Tue 13 Dec 2011 20:35

Credit

Role Contributor
Composer Ludwig van Beethoven

Broadcast

  • Tue 13 Dec 2011 20:35

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