Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, op. 73

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The Concerto

udwig van Beethoven called his last piano concerto, written in the same key as the Eroica, E-flat major, "A Grand Concerto" It counts among his most important compositions, and is the most famous work in the genre.

The genesis of the Piano Concerto No. 5 has a particular connection to and was especially influenced by the political and social events of the time. It was, in fact, intended as the people's call to arms against Napoleon. Beethoven's autograph score of the Piano Concerto No. 5 documents not only the compositional process over a period of more than a year; it also gives a fascinating account of the biographical and historical context of the work.

The Facsimile

In 1809, the year in which he finished work on the score, Ludwig van Beethoven had to discontinue his own public performances as a pianist due to his ever worsening deafness. This tragic break in his performing career caused him to develop a much more detailed autograph of the Fifth Piano Concerto than was the case in his earlier works.

Because the very first editions were published in part form only, the autograph manuscript in the Berlin State Library, Preßischer Kulturbesitz, Mus. Ms. autogr. Beethoven 15, represents the sole surviving score prior to the very late 1857 printed score, which is in many respects questionable in its details. In the completeness of its execution along with clearly recognisable layers of printing revisions, and with additions for Arch Duke Rudolph, to whom the concerto is dedicated, the autograph score offers an outstanding example of Beethoven's way of working

A commentary by Hartmut Hein completes the edition and sheds light on the distinctive features of this complex autograph, while also offering insight into the reading of the manuscript and bringing together the essential elements of current, scholarly discussion, as well as an edition of the musical text which is easily understandable and based on source material. Thus, one of Beethoven's most important works can now enjoy wide accessibility in its fascinating, original form among amateurs, performing artists, and scholars alike.

In the Foreword Alfred Brendel discusses his personal experiences, as well as his own viewpoint concerning this piano concerto, a work which has accompanied him along his entire artistic path.

The Layout

The autograph score of the Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, op 73, the "Klavier Concert 1809 von LvBthvn" as Beethoven calls it in his handwritten inscription is now presented for the first time in a multicoloured facsimile version., faithful to the original, with a layout especially designed for collectors and book lovers. The score contains a total of 120 sheets in an approx 24 x 32 cm. (9.5 x 12.5 in) format, and is reproduced on high-quality, durable paper with outstanding resolution. Bound in fine cloth, the edition meets the highest standards of excellence.

The Editor

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