Beethoven wrote his fourth concerto, op.58 in G major, in 1805 – 1806, and premiered it himself in 1807. The proportions for the first movement are Classical, but enlarged. He follows Mozart’s example in K271, the “Jeunehomme” concerto and begins with piano solo, rather than the orchestra; in the fifth concerto he will take the idea a step further and begin with a piano cadenza rather than a theme. The piano writing here is very innovative, and the majority of it is in the high register, played softly and delicately, giving this concerto a spiritual, unearthly essence. The second movement is unusually short, and gets its power from the austere, extreme dialogue of contrasts between tutti and solo; on one hand, the orchestra plays a stern, unisono line countered by the piano’s legato and emotional responses. The third and final movement follows immediately, and is a very Classical and up‐beat rondo.