How to Listen to and Understand Great Music, 3rd Edition Season 1 Episode 30 The French Revolution and an Introduction to Beethoven

In comparing Haydn's Symphony No. 88 and Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, we emphasize the fact that Beethoven's symphony does not reflect a period style but is, rather, a self-referential art work. We explore Beethoven's early life and progressive hearing disability to understand the sources of his rage, alienation, and independence.