Book excerpt: Nicknamed the "Emperor" for its nobility and grandeur, Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73, was the composer's last piano concerto. Written in 1809, when Beethoven was 39, it ranks among the most popular concertos in the repertoire. Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians considers it one of the strongest works conceived by Beethoven, and by far the most "symphonic" of his concertos, from the "thunderous cadential celebration" of the very first bars to the brilliant rondo-finale. Reproduced here from an authoritative early edition, the score appears with bar-numbered movements. Ideal for study in the classroom, at home, or in the concert hall, this affordable, high-quality, conveniently sized volume will be the edition of choice for music students and music lovers alike.