Even people who don’t follow classical music know the opening of Beethoven’s Symphony no. 5, but there’s so much more to the man and his music than just those four ever-so-famous notes. Even once you add the Ode to Joy, the list has still scarcely begun. What made Beethoven’s music the way it is, and how does it differ from his predecessors? Let’s find out together, with plenty of music, comments from those who knew him, and a look behind the notes!

