Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Piano Concerto in D major, Op. 61a
I. Allegro ma non troppo

Anders Muskens, fortepiano: John Broadwood & Sons grand pianoforte, London c. 1806

Rachael Beesley, concertmaster

and Das Neue Mannheimer Orchester

Performed live in Schiedam on period instruments, historically informed with with Romantic-era orchestral expressive and stylistic devices, including tempo flexibility, asynchronicity, portamenti, vibrato, and pathos-laden expression. As well, a hisotircal orchestral arrangement and leadership structure were used. We sought to indulge in the emotionality of the Romantic aesthetic, and dare to engage with, experiment, and incorporate aspects of 19th century orchestral performance practices. This project will be our unveiling of a fresh-take on Beethoven that will certainly challenge more mainstream approaches to this repertoire.

The solo is played by Anders Muskens on an original fortepiano by John Broadwood & Sons in London c. 1806, restored by Paul Kobald in Amsterdam in 2022. The ensemble Das Neue Mannheimer Orchester, playing on period instruments, was jointly led by Anders and Australian / British concertmaster Rachael Beesley. In total, there were 26 historical instrument specialists performing: fortepiano, 8 violins, 2 violas, 2 celli, double bass, flute, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 horns, 2 bassoons, 2 trumpets, and timpani.

This piano concerto is a variant of the famous violin concerto Op. 61 adapted for pianoforte by Beethoven himself. The premiere of the violin original in 1806 was largely considered a failure, and the work remained relatively obscure until it was revived by Joachim and Mendelssohn in 1844. Thus, this version for fortepiano was produced by Beethoven at the request of his pianist-colleague and businessman, Muzio Clementi, for publication in London. It appeared in print in 1807. Thus, a choice of an English fortepiano with English action from the year 1806 is very appropriate.

As part of a recording project, funded by the Canada Council for the Arts and the Adriana Jacoba Fonds.