When we listen closely to the Fifth, we hear that's it more than a museum piece, it’s a living testament to self-expression and determination.

Before Beethoven’s time, classical music culture looked and sounded quite different. In episode III we explore how Beethoven’s symphony was used to generate the strict culture of classical music — and the politics that undergird those norms of behavior.

In movements II , III and IV, Beethoven keeps trying to overcome his dark fate with bright major melodies, and keeps getting defeated.

The first four notes of the piece are more than a modern meme, they’re the main character in a drama life and death.