Piano Concerto No. 3 (Beethoven)

Piano Concerto in C minor
No.3
by Ludwig van Beethoven
Title page of the first edition
Opus37
Year1800
StyleClassical period
DedicationLouis Ferdinand of Prussia
PerformedApril 5, 1803 (1803-04-05)
Vienna
Published1804 (1804)
Movements
  • 3 (Allegro con brio
  • Largo
  • Rondo. Allegro - Presto)
Scoring
  • Piano
  • orchestra

Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37 is thought to have been composed in 1800, although the year of its composition has been questioned by some contemporary musicologists. It was first performed on 5 April 1803, with the composer as soloist. During that same performance, the Second Symphony and the oratorio Christ on the Mount of Olives were also premiered. The composition was published in 1804 and was dedicated to Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia. The first primary theme is reminiscent of that of Mozart's 24th Piano Concerto, also in C minor.