Arthur Bliss's Piano Concerto in B-flat major was composed in 1938–1939 and premiered at the 1939 New York World’s Fair by pianist Solomon with the New York Philharmonic under Sir Adrian Boult. Commissioned by the British Council, the concerto is known for its energetic orchestration, rhythmic drive, and blend of neoclassical and Romantic elements. It reflects Bliss’s flair for bold textures and dynamic contrasts while showcasing the pianist’s virtuosity.

The concerto follows a traditional three-movement structure: Allegro con brio, Andante maestoso, and Allegro moderato. The first movement is assertive and rhythmically charged, featuring striking contrasts between the piano and orchestra. The second movement offers a grand, noble lyricism, with rich harmonies and expressive depth. The final movement is lighter in tone, with playful syncopations and a jubilant conclusion, highlighting Bliss’s skill in orchestral color and rhythmic inventiveness.

 It is a powerful work in the nineteenth-century Romantic tradition, and at the time it was hoped it could prove to be a British "Emperor" concerto. Nicolas Slonimsky (1894-1995) described it as "Lisztomorphic in its sonorous virtuosity, Chopinoid in its chromatic lyricism, and Rachmaninovistic in its chordal expansiveness".