As with Chopin, Beethoven’s Second Piano Concerto was actually composed first. (The order of publication gives us the misleading numbers.) Beethoven used this work as the vehicle for his public debut, at a charity concert in Vienna. It is strongly reminiscent of the Mozart piano concertos Beethoven admired, but with more robust orchestration and a bit more drama.

Swedish composer Anders Hillborg (b. 1954) gained his first musical experience singing in choirs so a new choral work from him has special interest. A full-time freelance composer since 1982, his sphere of activity is extensive, covering orchestral, choral and chamber music as well as film music and pop music.