1. The origin of its nickname "Emperor" remains unknown.
The last of his piano concertos, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor” is one of the grandest and most distinguished works in classical music. Despite esteem, the title “Emperor” and its origin is unknown. Rumored to have spun from a French army officer’s remarks referring to the piece as “an emperor among concertos” after witnessing its Vienna debut in February of 1812, critics believe the nickname is more likely the work of an early publisher following the concerto’s release.
2. The concerto was composed during French attack.
In contrast to the brilliantly bold and spirited melodies within “Emperor” Concerto, the conditions in which it was constructed were rather dire. It was composed in 1809 during the War of the Fifth Coalition, where the French seized and occupied Vienna. In efforts to save what little hearing he had left, Beethoven tightly secured pillows around his ears while taking shelter is his brother Casper’s basement.
3. "Emperor" Concerto is the only piano concerto Beethoven never performed himself.
The new concerto was complete and ready to be performed just in time for the signing of the Treaty of Vienna in October, 1809. As life started to return to normal in Austria, Beethoven was on the hunt for the opportune time and place to bring his concerto to life. A year later in Leipzig, Piano Concerto No. 5 made its premiere with guest soloist Friedrich Schneider. “Emperor” Concerto was the last piano concerto Beethoven ever composed, and due to his near complete hearing loss, the only concerto he never performed in public.
4. Piano Concerto No. 5 changed the role of cadenzas in concertos.
Contrary to most concertos, Beethoven’s “Emperor” does not give creative license to its soloist. Instead, Beethoven had a specific delivery in mind. Toward the end of the first movement but before the conclusion, Beethoven wrote “Non si fa una cadenza, ma s’attacca subito il seguente,” (Do not play a cadenza, but immediately proceed to the following). With that, Beethoven etched every precise note of the cadenza that was expected to be played, forever altering the role cadenzas played in concertos.
5. The "Emperor" has an enticing role in film.
“Emperor” Concerto’s broad composition has allowed for numerous movie productions to incorporate pieces of the concerto into its score. Most notably in Peter Weir’s “Dead Poets Society” (1989) and Tom Hooper’s “King Speech” (2010). Whether through film or concert, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor” has proven to be a timeless masterpiece that never fails to amaze its audience.
PS: We're partnering with Varsity Theater for a showing of Dead Poet's Society on Sunday, September 22 at 1:00 PM. Get your tickets and learn even more about Beethoven's iconic Emperor Concerto and its role in the film.
Did we catch your interest? Come see the Des Moines Symphony’s Season Debut: The Emperor with guest soloist Olga Kern on Saturday, September 28th at 7:30 PM and Sunday, September 29th at 2:30 PM at the Des Moines Civic Center!
