Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1 | Margarita Höhenrieder, Staatskapelle Dresden & Fabio Luisi

Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major by Ludwig van Beethoven is Beethoven for piano virtuosos. Margarita Höhenrieder shines on the piano, accompanied by the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden conducted by Fabio Luisi. The concert took place in 2008 at the Philharmonie im Gasteig Munich.

(00:00) I. Allegro con brio
(18:39) II Largo
(29:50) III Rondo: Allegro scherzando

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827) wrote seven piano concertos, five of which are numbered as opuses. The Piano Concerto in C major, Op. 15 is known as Piano Concerto No. 1, even though it was not the first concerto for piano that Beethoven wrote. First drafts for the Piano Concerto in C major date from 1793, a first complete transcription was available in late 1794 or early 1795, a new score existed before 1800 and finally the print appeared in 1801 after the solo part had been rewritten a second time. Beethoven probably performed an early version of the C major concerto himself in Vienna in 1795, where he is also thought to have performed a later version for the first time in 1800.

Beethoven initially wrote his piano concertos primarily for himself. As a piano virtuoso, he wanted to show off his skills to an audience with the solo concertos; he was, after all, famous for his brilliant improvisations on the popular instrument.

There are similarities between the Piano Concerto in C major and Symphony No. 1, not only with respect to the period in which they were composed. In both works, the young Beethoven’s knack of bringing forth the most diverse musical emotions from a simple thematic idea is already evident. And both works are characterized by a festive tone in which virtuosity is celebrated to the highest degree.

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[curtisgrindahl]

Considering this performance occurred in 2008 I have to say the production quality is outstanding... great sound and video. What a gift we're given here... thanks for sharing this. As an American I'm blown away by the gorgeous concert halls and amazing orchestras from all over Europe I'm introduced to on YouTube. Clearly governments in Europe are willing to contribute to support of these institutions. Deep respect.

[lespherato]

It is truly amazing that we are given this gift - to enjoy magnificent works of great composers presented by outstanding, dedicated musicians on our computers, televisions, and iPads. No other generation had this gift. To experience this work of a genius through the talent of musicians in our homes - is truly a joy. In other eras, decades, and centuries, our ancestors - to see what we are experiencing here - would have required enormous expense and travel to the few concert halls available - and even then - only to the rich and privileged.

[MrBigTall]

A superb performance by Pianist and orchestra. The sound is fantastic too!

[TeaPhanatic]

Thank you, Margarita and Fabio, all the wonderful Dresden musicians, and the joyous comments by music lovers around the world! If only we could give everyone the gift of being able to enjoy such sparkling, spirit-lifting music.

[seniorskateboarder]

How nice to sit here at the coffee shop, sipping coffee and listening to this compelling performance. Her playing is so clean and precise.

[karlbauer]

Wieviele Generationen diese Musik schon begeistert hat und noch begeistern wird, immer wieder. So eine Musik altert nicht.

[cestmoi]

I can never fathom how a person can recall the miriads of notes of these wondewrful compositions.

[richardvedder]

From a guy that can only play the radio, this is really wonderful, glad I discovered it!

[marciomedeiros]

Was für eine Pianistin! Danke, Frau Höhenrieder, Herr Luisi, Staatskapelle Dresden! Einfach fabelhaft! Der zweite Satz vermag einen in höhere Plätze zu versetzen wo sich die Seele ruht, wo innere Freude ist, wo man sich des Schöpfers gedenkt und ihm dankt, dass er uns solche Gaben wie Frau Höhenrieder und Beethoven verschenkte!

[Crusader]

I love this concerto. Assertiveness followed by beautiful melody. Pure Beethoven.

[flexaeterna]

This is magnificent on so many levels. The soloist absolutely divine performance

[irmgardstork]

I love the way her facial expressions reflect her Emotions, I feel with her and have goosebumps all over. Thank you for this Gem .

[violinhunter]

This is serious and noble music making. The orchestra is magnificent, the acoustics are fabulous, the conductor is precise and unobtrusive, and the soloist is a superb artist who has no need for extraneous theatrics or ego-enhancing gowns. As for the composer, I need not say anything about him. Thank you!

[claudiosironi]

Soloist, Orchestra, Director and Recording perfect !

[mms]

Oh my God! This is an astounding performance. My chair will fall apart from jump and down hearing the finale

[jwebster]

Excellent artistry by both pianist and orchestra and the conductor’s tempo is commendable!

[carlosbauza]

Beethoven's use of the clarinet in the second movement is absolutely sublime!

[МаринаЯковина-че]

Бетховен, как и Моцарт, светлый и радостный-лучезарный в этом концерте.Волнующее ощущение счастья, вдохновляющая жизнь.Благодарю оркестр, маэстро и солистку за эту светлую музыку.

[jimmartin]

I’m was not familiar with this beautiful work but now I am trying to find words to say that I’m overcome by the pianist’s ability to get amazing sounds and runs that got to me emotionally. And there’s a blend of piano and orchestra that is, to me, simply impossible, intriguing and unbelievable!

[Gary_Texan_USA]

Frau Höhenrieder spielt stets mit Präzision, Wärme, Geist und Herzblut. Ich liebe es, ihre Interpretationen von Musik zu verkörpern. Maestro Luisi ist jedes Mal eine treibende Kraft, wenn er die Essenz eines Symphonieorchesters erfasst. Und diese hervorragenden Beispiele herausragender deutscher Dresdner Musiker sind wunderschön begabt. Außerdem ist der erste Fagottist ein ziemlich schlauer Kerl.