Experience and concept in performing Beethoven's piano concerto

Beethoven's Fourth Piano Concerto in G major Op. 58 (composed in 1804-06) continues along the path of the 'symphonic concerto'. The composer avoided anything that might give the impression of virtuoso competition or contrasting conflicts between soloist and orchestra. Instead Beethoven emphasised a lyrical idyllic fusion of the two contrasting sound characters. The musical ideal here is not heroic gesture or struggle but musical introversion.