lluminates Beethoven's difficult childhood, his struggle to find a wife, his ungovernable temper, his emotional volatility, his tendency to push away those trying to help him, and in middle age his obsessive compulsion to control his nephew's life.

Animated biography of Beethoven.

From the very start, the four-note "fate" motif of Ludwig van Beethoven's Fifth Symphony casts a spell on listeners. Suffering from hearing loss during its composition, Beethoven's despair and creative elation during his journey inward are reflected in this masterpiece. Beethoven expert Wulf Konold illustrates its variations on piano and explains other features of the work, including references to French Revolution ideals and tensions between fate...

Ludwig van Beethoven's ninth and last symphony is considered one of the highlights of symphonic music. Through the use of song, Beethoven questions the effect of purely instrumental music-influencing generations of composers after him. German Beethoven expert Wulf Konold explains the central characteristics of this exciting masterpiece. Claudio Abbado conducts the Berlin Philharmonic.

A simple biography of the man who composed such musical works as his Ninth Symphony, featuring the "Ode to Joy."

In Search of Beethoven: Part One traces the life and works of Ludwig Van Beehoven from his birth in Bonn, Germany in the winter of 1770 to the production of Beethoven's only opera: Fidelio Opus 72, completed in 1805. Learn how the musical culture of Bonn and Vienna influenced him, and about the influence of Mozart and Hayden. Hear performances of Beethoven's works of this period and discussion by historians and musicians.

Beethoven was a master at displaying a full range of emotions in a short amount of music. This is demonstrated in an excerpt from his "Symphony No. 3.

This is Part 4 of the in-depth exploration of Beethoven's Piano Sonata No.23, the "Appassionata," movement 3. This Chat explores the recapitulation section of the movement. Pianist Stephen Wu is featured.