The Genius of Beethoven

The Genius of Beethoven presents a three-part dramatized account of Ludwig van Beethoven’s life and works. This BBC production combines historical reenactments with musical analysis to portray the celebrated German composer and pianist’s journey from his early years to his final compositions.

The series is divided into three episodes, each focusing on a different period of Beethoven’s life. The first episode, “The Rebel,” chronicles Beethoven’s turbulent early years in Vienna, highlighting his rejection of his abusive, alcoholic father and his emergence as a talented pianist and composer. It features his compositions such as the Moonlight Sonata and the Second Symphony.

“Love and Loss,” the second episode, covers Beethoven’s creative middle period. This segment dramatizes the recollections of his friends and family, providing insight into the personal experiences that influenced his work. During this time, Beethoven composed five symphonies, four concertos, and his only opera, Fidelio.

The final episode, “Faith and Fury,” showcases Beethoven’s revolutionary late works, including the Hammerklavier Sonata, Missa Solemnis, the Ninth Symphony, and his intricate late string quartets. Remarkably, these compositions were created when Beethoven was profoundly deaf, demonstrating his extraordinary musical genius in the face of adversity.

Throughout the series, conductor Charles Hazlewood provides narration, offering musical analysis and historical context.