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The Secret of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony

The story behind Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. Ian Hislop and John Eliot Gardiner bring to life the exciting times that shaped Beethoven personally and creatively.

Ian Hislop and John Eliot Gardiner reveal the story behind Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. Described as the 'greatest 'great' piece ever written,' its opening notes are among the most recognisable in history. But no one really knows what Beethoven was trying to express with this piece. The traditional wisdom is that he is railing against fate and his deafness. But John Eliot believes the music expresses Beethoven's belief in the French Revolution. This is turbulent music from a turbulent man living in a turbulent age. John Eliot and Ian Hislop bring to life the exciting and dangerous times that shaped Beethoven personally and creatively.

1 hour, 29 minutes

Last on

Sat 28 May 2016 21:00

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Ian Hislop
Conductor John Eliot Gardiner
Orchestra Orch Revolutionnaire et Romantique
Producer Guy Evans
Director Guy Evans
Executive Producer James Hayes
Executive Producer Fiona Morris
Production Company Leopard Films

Broadcast

Playing Beethoven's Fifth

Playing Beethoven's Fifth

Sir John Eliot Gardiner and the Orchestre RΓ©volutionnaire et Romantique perform.