Famous Piano Concertos

There are myriads of interpretation of these piano concertos, many of which can be found on: www.youtube.com

A concerto is typically a work for solo performer, accompanied by an orchestra. The orchestra can vary in size depending on when the concerto was written (e.g., Classical Period orchestras are usually smaller than the orchestras used in the Romantic Period).

Since its inception, the concerto has been a vehicle for virtuosos to show their audiences just how great of an instrumentalist they are. During the Baroque Period, the so called Concerto Grosso (Italian word for great, meaning more than one soloist....) was as common as the concerto with one soloist; nevertheless, by the time the Classical and Romantic Periods appeared into the scene, the solo concerto became the status quo for such solo virtuosos as Liszt and Paganini, etc..., and the Concerto Grosso eventually became obsolete....

There are two types of piano concertos: there are piano concertos written by composers whom were not great pianists; and there are piano concertos written by composers whom were great pianists. Nevertheless, most great composers were also exceptional pianists (Berlioz, Dvorak, Elgar, Sibelius, and a handful of others were the exception to the rule....).

Here is a list of some of the most famous piano concertos ever written:

Rachmaninoff - Piano Concerto No. 2, composed in 1900-1901
This is probably the most famous piano concerto ever written. It's so famous, that it’s difficult to keep track of how many songs have been inspired by it. Next to Liszt, Rachmaninoff is one of, if not the greatest pianist/composer in the history of music. One of the fun things about playing a piano composition by a great pianist/composer, is that it’s going to be extremely challenging. This piece is a must for anyone who is new to classical music....

Tchaikovsky - Piano Concerto No. 1, composed in 1874-1875
Another famous piano concerto...one of the things which makes Tchaikovsky unique, was his approach to composition. Years ago, it was unheard of for a scholar to mention his name alongside Beethoven or Brahms. However, Tchaikovsky did something that neither Brahms or Beethoven did. He was one of the first famous composers not to have been a great performer. He was only a “composer” and nothing else. Performing was not something that interested him in any way. He had to conduct his own works sometimes, but he was a below par conductor, and cared little for the art. As a result, Tchaikovsky was the first modern composer in the sense of the word. He woke up in the morning at around 6:00 AM, and wrote music all day long until sunset. He never cared to excel in any instrument - his only focus in life was composition. It was Hans von Bulow that made this composition famous. The famous Boston, Massachusetts performance of the work in 1875 was a smashing hit. Tchaikovsky’s teacher Rubinstein, told him to burn the work for it was worthless. Guess who got the last laugh? To date, this is one of the most famous piano concertos ever written.

Chopin - Piano Concerto No. 1, composed in 1830
Chopin was one of Europe’s greatest pianists while he was alive. Nevertheless, Chopin rarely played in large concert halls like Beethoven, Liszt or Mendelssohn did. The accounts we have of Chopin’s piano recitals, are of him playing for a small group of people, mainly the aristocracy. Furthermore, Chopin’s concertos are usually thought of as second rate to his music for piano solo. The second movement of this concerto is exquisite to say the least. If you enjoy Chopin’s nocturnes, then the slow movement of this work is a must. The second piano concerto is also very melodious as well.

Beethoven - Piano Concerto No. 5 (AKA Emperor Concerto), composed in 1809 - 1811
You cannot have a list of famous piano concertos and omit this one. Few composers know how to write a slow movement like Beethoven did - the slow movement of this concerto is remarkable to say the least. The other movements are a real treat as well. Beethoven was a piano virtuoso, so this work is a challenge for most performers. The work has remained a staple in the piano repertoire since it was composed 200 years ago. Mendelssohn and Liszt both performed the work often throughout their lifetimes.

Grieg - Piano Concerto, composed in 1868
Why try again when you got it right the first time. “The Grieg Piano Concerto,” as it’s known amongst musical circles, is one of the most beautiful concertos ever written. The slow movement is gorgeous - it’s full of cues from Beethoven and Chopin. The “Big Tune” finale is probably the most famous of all the movements. The work was a hit when it was first performed on 1869 in Copenhagen.

Leif Ove Andsnes does a phenomenal job on the Grieg Piano Concerto. Check him out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl9H4fxripo

Liszt - Piano Concerto No. 1, composed in 1830 - 1849
Another relatevily famous piano concerto. For having been considered the greatest piano virtuoso of all times, it’s surprising to note that Liszt’s concertos are not as popular as you’d expect them to be. This is Liszt’s most famous piano concerto. This work might pale by comparison next to Beethoven’s Emperor concerto, nevertheless, it’s full of fresh musical ideas, some which later composers such as Strauss, Mahler and Stravinsky would emulate. Liszt was the creator of the cyclical concept in music - reusing and altering themes from one movement into another. All being said, the work is a virtuoso showcase of the piano concerto repertoire.

Mendelssohn - Piano Concerto No. 2, composed in 1837
This composition is a must for people who enjoy hearing different periods of music all rolled up into one. Mendelssohn was one of the most outstanding musicians that has ever lived. He was a gifted writer, painter, pianist, organist, conductor and composer. There was little he couldn’t do - he was a brilliant individual. The slow movement of this piece is exceptional - another piano concerto that doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

Brahms - Piano Concerto No. 2, composed in 1878 - 1881
This is a marvel of musical composition. But then what work of Brahms isn’t? It’s tightly knitted and constructed - eloquent from the first to the last note. Brahms was a great pianist, however, rumors are that he lost his pianistic touch towards the end of his life. The work is monumental to say the least. It’s one of the longest piano concertos ever written. The second movement is the most famous of all the movements. The third movement (slow movement) is a gem. The work is in four movements. This piece is usually included amongst famous piano concertos because of its second movement which has been overly played

Schumann - Piano Concerto, composed in 1845
Schumann set out to become a great pianist, but as the result of a hand injury was forced to give up his dreams of becoming a virtuoso. This piano concerto is one of the most exceptional ever written. Yet, has always taken a back seat to other piano concertos. The work is groundbreaking and refreshing, even if most audiences prefer a Rachmaninoff concerto over this one. Even years after Schumann’s untimely death, the work had to struggle in order to gain popularity with the general public.

Mozart - Piano Concerto No. 9, composed in 1777

Is arguably Mozart's first great piano concerto. Mozart wrote 27 Piano Concertos during his brief life. This concerto is performed quite often; and in fact, it's the most famous and the most often performed of the piano concertos from 1 through 15. However, it's probably not as famous as No. 16, 21, or 26. Mozart was 21 years old when he wrote it, and for Mozart this was very old.

Final thoughts:

These are some of the most often performed piano concertos ever written and recordings and interpretations of them abound. Visit www.youtube.com and enjoy....