Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

In Search of a Cure

Beethoven turns to medical science in a desperate attempt to find a remedy for his failing hearing. Presented by Donald Macleod.

Beethoven turns to medical science in a desperate attempt to find a remedy for his failing hearing.

All this week, Donald Macleod traces Beethoven’s story through the momentous years of 1802 and 1803. It was a time that saw remarkable developments in Beethoven’s creativity as he pursued a self-declared ‘new path’ for his music. He undertook his most ambitious works yet, pouring his whole self into his art. At the same time his personal life was reaching a crisis point that would plunge him to the darkest depths of despair and threaten to ruin all his carefully laid plans for the future.

Composer of the Week is returning to the story of Beethoven’s life and music throughout 2020. Part of Radio 3’s Beethoven Unleashed season marking the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth.

Symphony No.4, IV. Allegro ma non troppo
³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Philharmonic, conducted by Gianandrea Noseda

Piano Sonata No 21 in C major, Op 53 ‘Waldstein’, II & III
Igor Levit, piano

Septet Op. 20, III. Tempo di Menuetto
Vienna Octet

Sonata in G major for violin and piano, Op 30 No 3, II. Tempo di minuetto
Esther Yoo, violin
Zhang Zuo, piano

6 Variations on an original theme in F major, Op 34
Alfred Brendel, piano

59 minutes

Last on

Mon 18 May 2020 12:00

Music Played

  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Symphony No 4 in B flat Maj, Op 60, (4th mvt, Allegro ma non troppo)

    Orchestra: ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Philharmonic. Conductor: Gianandrea Noseda.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Piano Sonata No 21 in C major, Op 53 'Waldstein' (2nd & 3rd mvt)

    Performer: Igor Levit.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Septet in E flat major, Op 20 (3rd mvt, Tempo di Menuetto)

    Ensemble: Wiener Oktett.
    • DECCA : 436-653-2.
    • DECCA.
    • 6.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Violin Sonata in G maj, Op 30, No 3 (2nd mvt)

    Performer: Esther Yoo. Performer: Zhang Zuo.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    6 Variations In F Major, Op 34

    Performer: Alfred Brendel.
    • PHILIPS : 446 922-2.
    • PHILIPS.
    • 1.

Broadcast

  • Mon 18 May 2020 12:00

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems

Composers A to Z

Composers A to Z

Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod’s best stories from the last 20 years

Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem

What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?

A man out of time – why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...

The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.

Composer Help Page

Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.