- This was Beethoven's last completed symphony, and it is considered one of his greatest works. It is also one of the most famous and popular pieces of classical music in the world. The symphony is notable for its use of choral forces in the final movement, which sets a text from Friedrich Schiller's poem "Ode to Joy."
- The Choral Symphony was written during a time of great personal and professional turmoil for Beethoven. He was suffering from increasing deafness, and he was also struggling with financial difficulties. Despite these challenges, Beethoven managed to produce one of his most powerful and moving works of art.
- The Choral Symphony is a deeply emotional piece of music that reflects Beethoven's own personal struggles and triumphs. It is a work of hope and optimism, and it celebrates the power of human creativity and expression.
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73 "Emperor Concerto" (1810-1811)
- The Emperor Concerto is one of Beethoven's most popular and well-known piano concertos. It is a large-scale work that showcases the virtuosity of the soloist, and it features a memorable and dramatic first movement.
- The Emperor Concerto was written for the pianist Archduke Rudolf of Austria, who was a close friend and patron of Beethoven's. The concerto is dedicated to Rudolf, and it is believed that Beethoven intended for him to be the first person to perform it.
- The Emperor Concerto is a challenging work for the pianist, both technically and musically. It requires a great deal of skill and artistry to perform it effectively. However, the rewards for mastering the concerto are great, as it is a work of great beauty and power.
String Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 131 (1826)
- The C-sharp minor string quartet is one of Beethoven's most profound and moving works. It is a deeply personal and emotional work, and it reflects Beethoven's own struggles with illness and deafness.
- The quartet is divided into seven movements, each of which is full of complex and intricate musical ideas. The music is often dark and introspective, but it also contains moments of great beauty and hope.
- The C-sharp minor string quartet is a challenging and rewarding work to listen to. It requires repeated listenings to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the music. However, it is a work that is well worth the effort, as it is one of Beethoven's greatest masterpieces.