"Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 was the first Beethoven concerto that I performed with an orchestra, and thus the work holds a very special place in my heart. From its perfectly constructed, succinct, Mozart K. 491-echoing opening theme — dare we call it a hook? — to its breathless and nearly farcical coda, this is trademark early Beethoven. The first movement is filled with artfully handled anxiety, which seeps into even its prettiest melodies; its extensive cadenza — of Beethoven’s own composition, of course — is a masterpiece in and of itself, covering an astonishingly wide range of timbres. The rambunctious finale is blessed with an unassumingly gorgeous second theme. And between the heroic and dazzling outer movements is the concerto’s second movement, which features ravishing displays of lyricism in the piano."
-Conrad Tao
Emerging Chinese-American pianist Conrad Tao was personally chosen by Pinchas Zukerman to perform in this concert. The Piano Concerto No. 3 was composed in 1800 and first performed in 1803, with the composer as soloist. The score was incomplete; Beethoven played nearly all the solo part from memory since, as was often the case, he had not had time to set it all down on paper.
Hear 18 year-old piano phenomenon Conrad perform this work Friday, September 28th as part of the NAC Orchestra’s Beethoven Festival.
