The Piano Concerto in B flat major No. 2 Op. 83 by Johannes Brahms is not only one of the works the composer most frequently performed—initially as a pianist, then as a conductor—but also one of the most demanding works in piano litera- ture, one with which even the most renowned performers have grappled.

In addition to the technical hurdles, the main challenge for the soloist is to con- tinually develop both their own interpretation in a symphonic dialogue with the orchestra, as well as sensitively develop the solo part within the complex piano and orchestral vocals while respecting individual instrumental lines.