For many people, musicians and laymen alike, Beethoven is the most admired composer in the history of Western classical music - not only because of the intellectual rigor of his music, but also it's expressive power. Beethoven's struggle to resist being defeated by his deafness has a parallel in his music. This program explores all aspects of Beethoven's life, the music and the man, his views on life, politics and the French Revolution. Contributors include conductors Nikolaus Harnoncourt and Michael Tilson Thomas, pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy, violinist Peter Cropper from the Lindsays, musicologist Charles Rosen and many more!