In the works of Beethoven, the ideal of freedom is a recurring motif. The dramatic work Egmont, for which he wrote the incidental music, is about the fight for freedom of an oppressed people and the tyrannical power that they face. The Third Symphony was written to celebrate Napoleon as the fulfiller of the French Revolution. However, when it emerged that Napoleon wished to become a monarch himself and had crowned himself emperor, the utterly outraged Beethoven changed the title and dedication to 'Sinfonia Eroica', making it the 'Heroic Symphony'. Some music historians describe the opening theme of the C-minor piano concerto as march music of French origin. This work bears no relation at all to the other piano concertos, with their chattering tone, that Beethoven had recently written beforehand. The piano's monologue, with which the slow movement starts, seems to send a message to the orchestra: 'Respect my independence, and then later on we can play together.'

Presented by: MÁV Symphony Orchestra