Classical Hour
Eivind Aadland
Paul Lewis
Ludwig van Beethoven

Classical Hour: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto

Oslo Concert Hall Buy ticket

Classical Hour: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto

Ludwig van Beethoven was himself the soloist and the star when he performed his first piano concertos, but when he finished his Piano Concerto No. 5, Beethoven had lost so much of his hearing that he could not play himself. Paul Lewis is the soloist and Eivind Aadland is conducting when the Oslo Philharmonic performs all five piano concertos over three nights.

Already at 13, Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was so skilled at the piano that he could earn his own money as a musician in the court orchestra in his hometown of Bonn. And he had enough confidence as a composer to start writing a piano concerto.

Like Mozart, Beethoven used his concerts to demonstrate that he was the best pianist of his time. His role model also inspired the music, but Beethoven’s distinctive features, such as strong contrasts and dramatic shifts, are clear already in the first concertos.

Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat Major was premiered in Leipzig in 1811. At this time, Beethoven had lost so much of his hearing that he could not play himself. The piano concerto opens with a powerful and impressive prelude for the soloist and was, therefore, nicknamed “the Emperor Concerto.”

What is played

  • Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5

Performers

Tickets

Prices

Price groups Price
Adult 185 - 440 NOK
Senior
Student 185 - 305 NOK
Child 150 NOK

Classical Hour
Eivind Aadland
Paul Lewis
Ludwig van Beethoven

Oslo Concert Hall Buy ticket