Piano Concerto No. 1 by Beethoven reviewed by Joanna MacGregor 4th January 2024

When he first got to Vienna, Beethoven concentrated on studying composition with Haydn. But by 1795 he was confident enough to launch a career as a pianist-composer. He started his Piano Concerto No 1 in C major and probably performed it that year at the Burgtheater in Vienna. But in 1800 he revised the concerto and that is the version we know today. The concerto is full of the energy and life-force that roars through all Beethoven's greatest works and is a great favourite with pianists and audience alike.
Recommended version
Emil Gilels (piano)
Cleveland Orchestra
George Szell (conductor)
Warner Classics 9029589518