
Our piano concertos
The piano concerto developed from Baroque roots into one of the most celebrated forms of classical music, and it remains central to concert life today.
Originally, the harpsichord served as the solo instrument in early concertos, but its limited sound led to the rise of the fortepiano. Mozart is credited with shaping the piano concerto into a true dialogue between soloist and orchestra, balancing virtuosity with lyrical expression. Beethoven expanded its scale and drama, turning the concerto into a vehicle for heroic intensitySerenade. Romantic composers such as Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninov emphasized dazzling technique and emotional depth, while later figures like Bartók and Prokofiev introduced modernist rhythms and harmonies.
Today, piano concertos are cornerstones of the repertoire, performed by leading soloists worldwide. They showcase both technical brilliance and expressive artistry, bridging centuries of tradition with contemporary innovation. Modern composers continue to write concertos, ensuring the genre’s vitality in classical music.

Mozart

Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K. 467, - "Elvira Madigan,
Famous for its lyrical Andante, exuding Classical elegance and grace.
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In C major, the second movement is a lyrical cantabile, surrounded by brilliant and intricate outer movements.
Premiered in 1785 in Vienna by Mozart, it was well-received for its elegance and charm.
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Mozart

Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor
ark and stormy, brimming with intensity and gripping drama.
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In D minor, structured with sonata form in the first movement and distinct Sturm und Drang elements.
First performed in 1785 in Vienna by Mozart, it was admired for its dramatic and emotional depth.
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Brahms

Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor
Dramatic and emotionally intense, combining symphonic power with introspective beauty.
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In D minor, the first movement opens with timpani-led intensity, contrasting with an Andante melody of profound expressiveness.
Premiered in 1859 in Hanover by Brahms, it received mixed reviews but later gained recognition as a masterpiece.
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Brahms

Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major
Monumental, with serene Andante and one of the most beautiful cello solos in repertoire.
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In B-flat major, the second movement juxtaposes a gentle piano line with a lyrical cello theme, creating interplay across registers.
First performed in 1881 in Budapest by Brahms, it was highly acclaimed for its depth and complexity.
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Beethoven
Piano Concerto No. 1
A Haydn-Mozart influence with Beethoven's unique charm, lively and elegant.
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In C major, displaying Classical balance with energetic tutti sections and piano cadenzas rich in improvisatory style.
First performed in 1795 in Vienna by Beethoven, it marked his debut as a concerto composer.
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Beethoven
Piano Concerto No. 2
Light and playful, showcasing youthful energy with sparkling melodies.
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In B-flat major, a clear structure influenced by Mozart, with delicate interplay between the piano and orchestra.
Premiered in 1795 in Vienna by Beethoven, it was appreciated for its charm and youthful energy.
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Beethoven

Piano Concerto No. 3
A blend of drama and lyricism, with a stormy first movement and a tender, striking second movement.
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In C minor, the first movement uses Beethoven's signature motivic development, with a lyrical Largo and energetic finale.
First performed in 1803 in Vienna by Beethoven, it was well-received for its dramatic intensity.
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Beethoven
Piano Concerto No. 4
Innovative, poetic, with a dramatic dialogue and a tender, Orpheus-like second movement.
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In G major, the concerto features contrasting thematic material between the piano and orchestra, with a lyrical slow movement.
First performed in 1807 in Vienna by Beethoven himself, it was praised for its originality and depth.
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Beethoven

Piano Concerto No. 5 'Emperor'
Heroic and grand, featuring bold, serene, and jubilant movements characteristic of his "heroic" period.
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In E-flat major, known for its majestic opening with cascading piano arpeggios and intricate development in rondo-sonata form.
Premiered in 1811 in Leipzig by Friedrich Schneider, it was celebrated for its grandeur and innovation.
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Schumann

Piano Concerto in A minor
Warm, lyrical, and introspective, showcasing Romantic delicacy.
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In A minor, characterized by an intimate first movement, a tender Intermezzo, and a lively folk-like finale.
Premiered in 1845 in Leipzig by Clara Schumann, it was praised for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth.
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Saint-Saëns
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor
Dramatic and witty, transitioning from a Bach-like opening to a sparkling finale.
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In G minor, structured in three contrasting movements with Baroque-inspired themes in the first.
First performed in 1868 in Paris by Saint-Saëns, it was well-received for its wit and brilliance.
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Liszt

Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major, S.124,
A dazzling, virtuosic showpiece with dramatic contrasts and delicate motifs.
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In E-flat major, it uses thematic transformation across its four movements, with virtuosic cadenzas.
First performed in 1855 in Weimar by Liszt, it was celebrated for its technical brilliance and innovation.
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Tchaikovsky
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23
A powerful concerto with a dramatic opening, lyrical middle movement, and a rousing finale. It's known for its demanding piano part and striking melodies.,,,
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A powerful concerto with a dramatic opening, lyrical middle movement, and a rousing finale. It's known for its demanding piano part and striking melodies.,,,
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Tchaikovsky
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G major, Op. 44
A powerful, intricate work with lush melodies, often overshadowed by his first concerto.
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In G major, with an expansive first movement and intricate exchanges between piano and orchestral parts.
Premiered in 1881 in Moscow by Nikolai Rubinstein, it was well-received for its complexity and richness.
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Tchaikovsky
Piano Concerto No. 3
Incomplete, featuring a single Allegro movement full of characteristic drama.
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In E-flat major, with dynamic orchestration and a piano part rich in contrasting themes and textures.
Premiered posthumously in 1895 in St. Petersburg, it was appreciated for its dramatic intensity.
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Chopin

Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor
Romantic and virtuosic, capturing youthful passion and elegance.
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In E minor, showcasing Polish folk dance rhythms, chromatic runs, and lyrical embellishments in the piano part.
Premiered in 1830 in Warsaw by Chopin, it was praised for its poetic and virtuosic qualities.
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Shostakovich

Piano Concerto No. 2 in F major
Lighthearted, charming, and nostalgic with a touching slow movement.
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In F major, blending Classical clarity with whimsical themes and a serene Andante middle movement.
Premiered in 1957 in Moscow by Shostakovich's son Maxim, it was warmly received for its charm and humor.
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Chopin
Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor
Graceful and melancholic, with Polish folk influences and heartfelt lyricism.
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In F minor, the concerto features melodic ornamentation, lyrical nocturne-inspired passages, and a stormy finale.
First performed in 1830 in Warsaw by Chopin, it was admired for its emotional depth and elegance.
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Bartók
Piano Concerto No. 3 in E major
A serene, lyrical work blending folk-inspired melodies with classical structure and poignant chorale.
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Written in E major, the concerto employs modal influences, contrapuntal textures, and a unique ternary structure.
Premiered in 1945 in Budapest by Ditta Pásztory-Bartók (Bartók's wife), it was warmly received for its lyricism.
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Rimsky-Korsakov
Piano Concerto in C-sharp minor
Compact and vivid, inspired by Russian folk melodies.
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In C-sharp minor, this single-movement concerto employs motivic development and dazzling piano virtuosity.
Premiered in 1883 in Moscow by Rimsky-Korsakov, it was appreciated for its vivid orchestration.
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Honegger
Piano Concerto in C major
A unique, inventive work combining tonal and modern elements.
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In C major, it features angular themes, polytonal episodes, and an exploration of contemporary harmonic language.
Premiered in 1925 in Paris by Marcelle Meyer, it was noted for its modernity and originality.
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Grieg

Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16,
Dramatic, lyrical, and folk-inspired, encapsulating the Romantic spirit.
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In A minor, opening with a dramatic timpani roll and employing Norwegian folk rhythms within a traditional sonata structure.
Premiered in 1869 in Copenhagen by Edmund Neupert, it was an immediate success and remains a favorite.
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Rachmaninov

Piano Concerto No. 1
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Rachmaninoff

Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18,
Deeply emotional, with memorable themes and an enduring sense of yearning.
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In C minor, it employs lush orchestration, featuring sweeping arpeggios and expansive harmonic progressions.
First performed in 1901 in Moscow by Rachmaninoff, it was a resounding success and revived his career.
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Rachmaninoff

Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor
Sweeping and lush, filled with dramatic intensity and renowned for its technical difficulty.
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In D minor, featuring a monumental first movement, a deeply Romantic slow movement, and a jubilant finale.
Premiered in 1909 in New York by Josef Hofmann, it was hailed as a triumph of Romantic piano literature.
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Ravel
Piano Concerto in G major
Jazz-influenced, effervescent, and playful, blending humor with virtuosity.
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In G major, it features syncopated rhythms, blues-inflected themes, and contrasting dynamic sections.
Premiered in 1932 in Paris by Marguerite Long, it was praised for its wit and innovation.
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