Ludwig van Beethoven: 1770 - 1827 begins with the famous first four notes that begin his Fifth Symphony. Most people can instantly recognize them without being able to identify them. David Allen’s dramatized biography sheds light into the German composer’s life.

We see the tempestuous young composer trained by his stern grandfather and then moving to Vienna, where he befriends Hadyn. Later, Beethoven composes his great symphonies despite the loss of his hearing. Eventually, his symphonies are acclaimed by the masses and he becomes a celebrity.

Set to Beethoven’s immortal music, this biography, performed with authority by Richard Mayes, mixes critical insight with dramatized readings of his own letters to family members and feminine acquaintances.