THE GENIUS OF BEETHOVEN (2005)

The Genius of Beethoven is a three-part BBC dramatized documentary series presented by Charles Hazlewood, taking a look at the life and work of Ludwig van Beethoven.

Episode 1 - The Rebel
This episode looks at Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and 2nd Symphony, and charts his turbulent early years as a pianist and composer in Vienna, after having rejected his abusive alcoholic father. (00:58:43)

Episode 2 - Love and Loss
The music of Beethoven's creative middle years is explored, alongside the dramatized recollections of his family and friends. In this period he wrote five symphonies, four concertos, and his only opera - Fidelio. (00:59:01)

Episode 3 - Faith and Fury
Beethoven again revolutionizes musical composition with works such as the Hammerklavier Sonata, the Missa Solemnis, the 9th Symphony and the baffling late string quartets - all composed when he was profoundly deaf. (00:58:48)