For the purpose of this essay, we will discuss Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto #4
in G Major, Opus 58. This was composed around 1805 to 1806. On the average, the
duration of this concerto is around 34 minutes and 12 seconds. This concerto that
Beethoven composed is made up of 3 movements. These movements were allegro
moderato, andante con moto and Rondo Vivace (Dettmer, 2012).
The time period wherein Beethoven composed this concerto was a very challenging time
for him. According to writings, he composed this one as his last piece for his self. His one
and only opera entitled “Fidelio” was first shown in that year. The “Fidelio” had a very
interesting story line. It was about a married couple who were separated by politics. The
husband Florestan was captured and locked up in a political jail (Freed, 2012). In order to
save him, his wife Leonore gathers up courage to disguise herself as guard in the prison.
The story itself revolving about humanity and politics is quite a big indicator of what
factors were highly influencing Beethoven’s life during that time period. The music used in
this opera is also possible to compare with the concerto concerned in this paper because of
their similar time period of introduction to society.
This concerto was performed privately at first. Prince Lobkowitz was privileged enough to
get this opportunity. The performance was held at the prince’s place in Vienna. In order to
perform this concerto, one would need at least 2 bassoons, 2 clarinets, 2 horns, 2 oboes,
timpani, 2 trumpets, string instruments and a flute. When the concerto was in being
performed already, the people seemed like they didn’t care. The concerto did not catch
their attention that was unlike Beethoven’s other works. There was an attempt as well to
use lyrics in order to enhance the experience on listening to the concerto. It could also be
blamed on the poor preparations that were done for the first private performance of the
concerto (Freed, 2012). Nonetheless, this was a piece that was very energetic and was said
to be dedicated to Beethoven’s pupil and patron Archduke Rudolph. Later on, the concerto
was still able to survive by performing publicly back in December 22, 1808 at the Theater
an der Wien.
The solo piano at the introduction of the piece was very simple and engaging. However it
seems too short to catch and keep hold the attention of any listener. It sounded very sweet
