The Piano Concerto No. 5 by Beethoven, nicknamed the “Emperor,” was composed right after Napoleon’s army besieged Vienna in May of 1809. The nickname was likely given by a publisher; in all likelihood, Beethoven probably wasn’t even a fan of it because of Napoleon. Nevertheless, the concerto does have an imperial sense and scope to it and you can hear it tonight at 7: Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto, our Evening Masterwork on Classical WSMR 89.1 and 103.9.
Evening Masterworks: Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat “Emperor” for July 13, 2024
