ABSTRACT
Occasional clashes such as G sharp against G natural add spice to the harmony, but essentially the next few bars establish both the importance of G major as the 'tonic' and of the repeated-note theme first proposed by the pianist. A Beethoven premiere is always an occasion for the Viennese, and they are full of anticipation as he takes his place at the piano to play and presumably direct the new work. The concerto began with a piano solo and it is only right that the Recapitulation should do likewise. The music calms with beautiful and nostalgic versions of the march theme to which the piano adds delicately spicy decorations which gradually have a soporific effect. According to convention the cadenza should finish with a long trill on A, resolving on G to coincide with the orchestra's loud affirmation of that key.
